Morka: ADC crisis result of ‘Arrogance, Poor leadership’, not APC interference

’

Michael Olumide

Amid escalating political tensions, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at claims of interference in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with its spokesman, Felix Morka, insisting that the party’s crisis is self-inflicted and rooted in “arrogance” and leadership failure.

Morka made the remarks during an appearance on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, dismissing claims by ADC officials that external forces are orchestrating instability within the party.

“What we are witnessing… is nothing short of their own coordinated incompetence and failure to conduct their affairs in line with democratic expectations,” Morka said.

Morka’s comments come in direct response to claims by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who had alleged a coordinated effort to weaken opposition parties, including the ADC.

Abdullahi had earlier warned of a broader political agenda aimed at suppressing opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Morka dismissed the allegation as a familiar tactic used by opposition parties to deflect from internal crises.

“There is absolutely nothing linking the APC or the presidency to what is happening in the ADC,” he stated, insisting that the narrative of political interference is “misleading and politically convenient.”

Crisis Rooted in Legal Dispute
Providing his account of events, Morka traced the origin of the crisis to a legal dispute involving Nafiu Bala, a deputy national chairman of the ADC, who approached the court seeking recognition as the party’s legitimate leader.

According to him, the case, filed at the Federal High Court in September 2025, exposed procedural lapses within the party’s leadership structure.

“In any political party, there are hierarchies. If the chairman resigns, the deputy should step in. That was the basis of the legal action,” Morka explained.

He added that the party’s failure to follow proper legal procedures, particularly in filing an interlocutory appeal without required leave, weakened its case and led to adverse rulings.

Morka also defended the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the commission merely acted in compliance with court directives.

“The Court of Appeal gave clear instructions, including maintaining the status quo, and INEC acted based on that judgment,” he said.

He warned against dragging INEC into partisan controversies, stressing that such claims risk undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.

“To suggest that INEC is acting under APC influence is completely unfounded and does a disservice to institutional integrity,” he added.

The APC spokesman maintained that the attempt to link the ruling party to the ADC crisis is part of a broader political strategy to shape public perception rather than address real issues.

“This is a self-inflicted injury,” Morka said. “You cannot ignore due process and then blame others when consequences arise.”

He further argued that allegations must be backed by evidence, noting that mere claims do not establish wrongdoing.

Expanding his critique, Morka suggested that the situation reflects a recurring pattern among opposition parties, where internal disputes are often attributed to external forces.

According to him, such tendencies weaken their credibility and raise questions about their readiness to govern.

“If you cannot manage your internal affairs, it raises serious concerns about your capacity to govern a complex country like Nigeria,” he said.

Call for Responsibility and Rule of Law
Morka concluded by urging political actors to prioritise accountability and adherence to democratic principles, especially in times of crisis.

“Nigeria’s democracy depends on strong institutions and responsible political actors,” he stated.

He emphasised that respect for due process, the judiciary, and electoral bodies remains essential for sustaining democratic governance.

The exchange between the APC and ADC highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with both sides offering sharply contrasting narratives on the root causes of the crisis.

While the ADC insists external forces are undermining opposition parties, the APC maintains that the turmoil is entirely self-inflicted.

As legal battles continue and political rhetoric intensifies, the unfolding developments are likely to shape public perception of party credibility, institutional trust, and the broader state of Nigeria’s democracy.