By Desire Emmanuel
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, April 2, came hard on the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying it is the architect of its own misfortune over the derecognition of its leadership.
It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday derecognised the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and others.
INEC hinged its decision on a court order which directed the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of David Mark’s leadership of the party.
However, the APC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party described ADC as an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians.
The statement reads: “Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is or is not doing to undermine the party.
“The ADC is a party that never was. By design, it was a kamikaze contraption with a ‘follow-come’ self-destructive detonator. It had to unravel and now unraveling fast by installment.
“When its factional leadership under the duo of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola parachuted into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacked the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations regarding leadership succession, and in disregard of the rule of law, the ADC set its own date with destiny.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) decision to de-recognise the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with judgment of court, is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice. It is the consequence of the party’s reckless and desperate misadventure.
“It is therefore highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes of which they are the sole architects.
“The ADC’s unwillingness to take responsibility for its miserable failure to follow due process, order its internal affairs, and manage its self-inflicted crisis makes ADC grossly unfit as platform to be taken seriously by Nigerians. A party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria.
“The ADC has absolutely nothing to offer more than its senseless attacks against the APC. Attacking the APC seems to be its cardinal commitment and manifesto. It is a party bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power.
“Our great party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu remain steadfast in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and strengthening democratic institutions for peace, unity and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
