Come And Learn Politics From Us – APC Taunts ADC Over Leadership Crisis

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the

African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its internal leadership crisis, claiming that the opposition party’s wrangling shows its incapacity to pose any real challenge in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The political jab followed the self-declaration of former ADC Deputy National Chairman, **Nafiu Bala**, who announced himself as the new national chairman of the party. Bala insisted that the provisions of the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution gave him the right to succeed **Ralph Nwosu**, the party’s long-serving leader who resigned months ago after the ADC became part of an opposition coalition.

However, Bala’s announcement immediately triggered pushback within the party. The ADC’s National Spokesperson, **Bolaji Abdullahi**, dismissed him as a “charlatan” attempting to hijack the platform for personal ambition.

APC Mocks ADC Over Internal Wrangling

Reacting to the unfolding drama, the APC’s Director of Publicity, **Bala Ibrahim**, mocked the ADC for failing to manage its own internal affairs. According to him, the crisis not only weakens the opposition but also proves that smaller political platforms lack the capacity to unite effectively against the ruling party.

“The opposition is supposed to manage its affairs responsibly. If the ADC does not know how to play opposition politics or unite its members, it can come and learn from the APC. We have the Progressive Institute, a place where people can actually learn politics,” Ibrahim told *Punch*.

The APC spokesperson described the infighting as an unnecessary distraction that further confirms the weakness of opposition parties, which he said should instead focus on providing constructive criticism and viable alternatives for Nigerians.

APC Denies Involvement in ADC Crisis

Amid speculation that ruling parties often exploit the fragility of opposition platforms to their advantage, Ibrahim strongly denied any APC involvement in the ADC’s internal crisis. He maintained that the APC was too preoccupied with delivering **President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda** to bother with destabilising other parties.

“The APC cannot condescend to the level of creating problems for an opposition party that is daily losing grip on political activities. In the recent by-elections, out of 16 contested seats, APC won 13. The ADC could not win even one. Clearly, it is not a force to reckon with,” he said.

His comments suggested that rather than worrying about opposition dynamics, the APC is more concerned with consolidating its political dominance ahead of the next general elections.

Opposition Unity Questioned

The ADC’s crisis highlights a recurring challenge among opposition parties in Nigeria—the struggle for unity and coherent leadership. While alliances and coalitions have been floated in the past, most have struggled to sustain internal discipline or provide a credible alternative to the ruling party.

Political analysts argue that ADC’s turmoil not only weakens its own platform but also affects the broader effort to build a viable opposition coalition that could mount pressure on the APC in 2027. Without internal stability, smaller parties may continue to play marginal roles in national politics, leaving the opposition fragmented.

The APC has used this narrative to its advantage, often portraying itself as the only organised party capable of maintaining national influence. By mocking the ADC’s leadership wrangle, the ruling party seeks to reinforce the perception that opposition platforms remain too divided to challenge its electoral dominance.

ADC’s Struggle for Relevance

Founded in 2006, the ADC has often positioned itself as a progressive platform for reform-minded politicians and technocrats. However, the party has struggled to build nationwide acceptance or make significant electoral gains. Its attempt to strengthen its profile by joining opposition coalitions has not translated into tangible results.

With Nwosu’s resignation and Bala’s self-declaration as chairman, the party now faces a test of legitimacy. Whether it can resolve the crisis quickly and rebuild internal unity will determine if it can remain relevant in the political space ahead of the 2027 elections.

The rejection of Bala’s leadership claim by Abdullahi underscores the divisions within the party. If left unresolved, the wrangling could further diminish the ADC’s role in opposition politics.

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APC Positions Itself as the Political Benchmark

By offering to “teach” ADC and other opposition parties how to manage their affairs, the APC is positioning itself not just as the ruling party but also as a political benchmark in Nigeria. Through its **Progressive Institute**, the APC has established a training platform where members and political actors are schooled on governance, party management, and campaign strategy.

While critics accuse the ruling party of arrogance in its taunting of the opposition, supporters argue that the APC’s electoral dominance in recent contests underscores its superior organisational strength.

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the APC appears confident that opposition parties will remain too divided to mount a serious challenge, unless they resolve their internal crises and present a unified front.

The Road Ahead

As Nigeria’s political scene gradually shifts toward 2027, the ADC’s leadership tussle serves as a reminder of the challenges confronting opposition parties. Without stability and unity, their ability to compete effectively with the ruling APC remains slim.

For now, the APC has seized the moment to reinforce its dominance while taunting its rivals. The real test, however, will be whether opposition parties can rise above internal wrangling to present Nigerians with a credible alternative in the coming years.

Until then, the ruling party appears set to enjoy both political stability and the upper hand in shaping the national conversation.