By Sabiu Abdullahi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking it to a reported shooting involving ADC members in Edo State, describing the claims as unfounded and premature.
In a press statement signed by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC in Abuja on February 26, 2026, the APC said the opposition party had rushed to conclusions without allowing security agencies to investigate the incident.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is, undoubtedly, its own nemesis. It needs no external help to achieve its political demise. The party is doing a good job crippling itself even before it has time to stand on its feet.”
The ruling party criticised the ADC leadership, accusing it of making reckless claims and disregarding due process.
“In its press statement of February 25, 2026, the ADC claimed that the APC was responsible for the shooting incident involving its members in Edo State. That is utterly delusional. Accusing the APC even before any investigation is carried out by law enforcement is particularly senseless, and shows the ADC as a party that lacks focus and without regard for the due process of law.”
The APC added that such allegations suggest that the ADC had assumed multiple roles in the matter.
“By its baseless conclusion, the party has declared itself to be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in its own cause.”
The party questioned the ADC’s capacity to manage national issues, especially security concerns.
“Nigerians must wonder how a party that cannot manage a single incident with proper guidance, maturity, and in line with legal and constitutional process can be trusted to manage the complexities of Nigeria’s security environment.”
It also faulted the ADC’s reference to alleged acts of terrorism, describing the claim as irresponsible.
“The ADC’s reference to ‘cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party’, in its presser, is reckless and unjustifiable.”
The APC maintained that such remarks show a lack of awareness of the country’s security challenges and the sacrifices of security personnel.
“It’s flippant accusation clearly shows that the ADC is out of touch with the prevailing realities of the country’s war on terror, and insensitive to the patriotic sacrifices of our troops in the frontlines in defence of our lives and liberty.”
While condemning political violence, the party called for a proper probe into the Edo incident.
“Make no mistake, violence of any kind in our political space is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians. Our great Party roundly condemns the reported shooting incident in Edo state. We call on police and other law enforcement authorities to carry out an expeditious investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The APC further suggested that investigators should examine internal issues within the ADC.
“Investigation of this incident should begin with a thorough scrutiny of the ADC, its leaders and members as prime suspects.”
It alleged that internal disputes within the ADC could be linked to the incident.
“Among other leads, law enforcement investigation should focus on widely reported violent clashes and confrontations among its factional leaders over control and access to certain meetings of the party.”
The party insisted it had no involvement in the incident and stated that it remains focused on recent electoral successes.
“To be clear, the APC has absolutely no role or responsibility in the unfortunate shooting incident. We are too busy taking stock of our recent big wins in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) municipal elections, and the Rivers and Kano states constituency elections to pay any attention to a fringe and inconsequential meeting of ADC political wanderers in Edo state.”
The APC also took a swipe at the ADC’s performance in recent elections.
“The ADC should be just as busy trying to fathom its back-to-back dismal and disgraceful performance in previous and recent by-elections in the country despite its nuisance rants.”
The party expressed appreciation to voters and reaffirmed its commitment to governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are grateful to Nigerians for the solid and growing support of our great Party. We particularly appreciate the electorate in the FCT, Kano and Rivers states for their eloquent vote of confidence in our Party, and in the visionary and transformative leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR.”
It concluded by restating its focus on national development.
“Our Party and Mr President remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous country for the good of all Nigerians.”
