APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru Dismisses ADC Allegations Of Presidency Interference And Labels Calls For INEC Chairman’s Removal As Undemocratic

APC Secretary Ajibola Basiru defends INEC's decision on the ADC leadership dispute and dismisses claims of President Tinubu's interference.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 8:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from PUNCH Online

Rejection Of Interference Allegations

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a firm rebuttal to claims that the presidency is orchestrating the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking in Abuja on Friday, April 3, 2026, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru characterized the allegations made by the David Mark-led faction as "open propaganda." He asserted that the ruling party has no hand in the legal challenges facing the ADC, emphasizing that the predicament stems from an "untidy" leadership transition that failed to carry along all necessary stakeholders, leading to inevitable litigation.

Support For INEC’s Regulatory Actions

Basiru threw his weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition from the Mark-led National Working Committee. He explained that the commission’s action, announced by National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, was a direct compliance with a court directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum until a final ruling is delivered. The APC scribe dismissed the ADC’s call for the removal of INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan Joash and other commissioners, labeling such demands as preposterous and a blatant disregard for constitutional procedures.

Critique Of ADC’s Legal Strategy

A significant portion of the APC’s defense focused on what Basiru described as "procedural flaws" in the ADC’s legal approach. He noted that the Mark-led faction filed a premature interlocutory appeal without seeking leave from the trial court, a move that the Court of Appeal eventually dismissed. By proceeding with party congresses and conventions despite ongoing litigation and judicial orders to stay action, the APC warned that the ADC leadership is engaging in "recklessness and self-help." Basiru cautioned that any actions taken in defiance of the court would likely be declared null and void, and the consequences should not be blamed on external actors.