A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted sharply to the derecognition of key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC recently removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the ADC’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively. The decision followed the commission’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling concerning the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Fani-Kayode mocked the opposition party, describing the development as a serious blow to its political ambitions. He argued that the ADC’s current situation leaves it without a viable platform to contest future elections, questioning the credibility and preparedness of its leadership.
According to him, the party has suffered repeated setbacks from multiple fronts, including judicial rulings and regulatory actions. He further claimed that the ADC has lost the confidence of its founding members and the broader Nigerian electorate.
Fani-Kayode advised the party to shift its focus away from immediate electoral contests and instead concentrate on rebuilding its internal structures. In his view, the ADC should dedicate the coming years to forming a more cohesive and effective opposition, with a possible return to presidential politics in 2031 rather than 2027.
He also criticised the party’s leadership style, accusing its members of prioritising media appearances and rhetoric over practical solutions. He alleged that their approach relies heavily on propaganda, social media influence, and external support rather than addressing the country’s core issues with clear policy alternatives.
Meanwhile, the ADC has acknowledged INEC’s decision, which has continued to generate mixed reactions across the political landscape. Despite the setback, the party noted a surge in interest, claiming that tens of thousands of Nigerians have recently joined its ranks, signalling that it still retains some level of grassroots support.
