The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of interfering in the internal affairs of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), following the emergence of a rival faction contesting the party’s leadership.
The controversy comes in the wake of a recent meeting between PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and former Senate President David Mark, who is also linked to leadership issues within the ADC.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, suggested that rumours of a possible alliance between the ADC and PRP ahead of the 2027 elections may have triggered the sudden crisis within the PRP.
He, however, dismissed claims that the ADC was considering adopting the PRP as an alternative political platform.
According to reports, a group identified as the PRP-Vanguard Collective recently rejected the outcome of the party’s national convention, which produced the current leadership. The group, led by Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, described the convention as a “sham” and accused a rival bloc of attempting to hijack the party for elite political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
The faction also criticised the emergence of Baba-Ahmed as national chairman under what it referred to as the “Falalu faction,” alleging that the process violated the party’s constitution and ideological principles.
Responding to the development, Abdullahi alleged a broader pattern of interference by the ruling party in opposition platforms.
“This has to be the most shameless government in Nigeria’s history,” he said. About three weeks ago, the leadership of the PRP, led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the ADC. A few days later, rumours began to circulate that the coalition leadership was considering the PRP as an option.
“Although this is not true, it took only that single whiff of speculation for a faction to emerge almost overnight in what had been a historically tranquil political party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed.
“This is the reality of Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space under the APC. The government may continue to deny any involvement in the crises within other parties, insisting that these are merely internal failures, but the pattern is visible. The world can see what is happening, and where this path leads,” Abdullahi said.
He further warned about the implications of weakening opposition platforms, questioning whether there were moderating voices within the ruling party.
“A political strategy anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is ultimately self-destructive. When people are left with no options, they are, in reality, left with no choice,” he added.
The All Progressives Congress has consistently denied any involvement in internal disputes within opposition parties across the country.
