APC, Tinubu wary of opposition

Camillus Nnaji

The polity has been heated in the last few days, erupting with high-profile defections to the opposition coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This development has given rise to renewed internal disputes over the positions of chairman and national secretary of the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the withdrawal and derecognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

Referencing a case filed by Bala Nafiu, who claims to be recognised as the chairman of the party following the resignation of the former chairman, INEC decided to suspend recognition of the party’s national caretaker committee chairman and secretary.

Meanwhile, the matter is currently pending before the Federal High Court (FHC). In an interlocutory ruling by the FHC, which was later appealed, the Court of Appeal ruled that the status quo ante bellum should be maintained pending the determination of the case at the FHC. Based on this premise, Nafiu’s faction approached INEC.

INEC subsequently announced the suspension and derecognition of Mark and Aregbesola.

Political observers have analysed that Nafiu’s faction may have been funded to frustrate the momentum the ADC is gaining ahead of its convention and the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Mark, in a world press conference, lamented what he described as the erosion of democratic freedom within the past few years under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Democracy is only sustained by the quality of freedom it offers and guarantees, to choose, participate, and associate, without which democracy dies. The past three years of President Tinubu’s administration have confirmed otherwise.”

“They know Nigerians will vote them out; that is why they will do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook.”

He added that the twin challenges of poverty and insecurity bedevilling the country are a result of poor leadership. “And now that Nigerians are aware, they will do anything to stop them,” he said.

The former Senate Leader disclosed that at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and monitored by INEC, the National Working Committee (NWC) was dissolved and a caretaker committee was ratified to take over the affairs of the party, leading to his emergence, alongside Aregbesola, as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Reacting to the current political situation in the country, Tinubu, in an Easter message, called for political responsibility, informed participation, restraint, and civil maturity by all stakeholders. He added that the Electoral Act is in place to safeguard the conduct of political parties, democratic peace, and national stability.

“Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint, and informed participation prevail,” Tinubu said.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reacting to questions on Arise TV, maintained that the ADC proceeding with its planned congress without INEC oversight would be null.

He insisted that the subsisting court injunction on the internal leadership tussle in the party must be addressed.

“So, if they are going ahead with their congress and convention, it is left for them to determine whether it is in contravention of the court order.”

“Do not take any step that will render any proceeding before the court nugatory,” the professor of law stated.

On another development, the ADC vowed to proceed with its congress despite INEC’s stance. The party’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, while appearing on Arise TV last week, stated that the party had already notified INEC of its planned convention and congress.

“So, we are saying that we shall go ahead with our congress and proceed with our convention.”

Reactions have continued to trail the situation, with a United States-based political firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., strongly condemning INEC’s action and decision at a critical time in the electoral build-up.

The firm threatened to invite the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over INEC’s decision to freeze the main opposition party in Nigeria, raising concerns over credibility and participation in the elections.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the ADC and suspended all official engagements with the party pending ongoing litigation. This action has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming presidential election.”

Similarly, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, O.P.N. Johnson Ahuruonye, Esq., told The Mirror that a review of the status quo is important to avoid undermining or ridiculing the mandate of the electorate, while also acknowledging widespread corruption and institutional challenges.

“A few of us who have spoken or written consistently against the status quo have been vilified or made to face the wrath of those in power who will stop at nothing to maintain it.”

“The unfortunate reality is that even established institutions have a history of sustaining criminality, often concealed by hypocrisy and the manipulation of the majority by a few seeking to remain relevant and in power.”