The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations that it played a part in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the opposition party must take responsibility for its internal troubles.
Titiansloaded reports that the ruling party made its position known in a statement released on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who accused the ADC leadership of blaming the APC and attacking the judiciary whenever court decisions go against it.
The response followed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu.
The ruling removed the David Mark-led ADC leadership and invalidated decisions taken by the faction, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The ADC had alleged that the APC was behind the judgment. However, Morka maintained that the ruling party was neither involved in the case nor a party to the legal proceedings.
He explained that the suit was initiated by ADC national officers who challenged the actions of the party’s leadership. According to him, the dispute was an internal matter and had no connection with the APC.
Morka accused David Mark and his allies of taking control of the ADC in a manner he described as contrary to the party’s internal democratic processes and the rule of law. He argued that the court’s decision was a consequence of the legal challenge brought by aggrieved members.
The APC spokesman also criticised what he described as the ADC’s inconsistent attitude towards the judiciary, saying the party praises court decisions when they favour it but questions the integrity of judges when rulings go against its interests.
He urged the opposition party to pursue an appeal if it disagreed with Justice Lifu’s decision instead of accusing the APC of political interference.
Morka further said the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained committed to protecting democratic institutions, respecting the rule of law and providing good governance.
He dismissed the ADC’s allegations as attempts to shift responsibility for a crisis he said originated within the opposition party.
