The African Democratic Congress has lashed out at the ruling All Progressives Congress over its alleged involvement in the crises rocking the opposition parties in the country. 

In a statement on Tuesday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi accused the APC of engineering factional leadership in the Peoples Redemption Party shortly after its leadership, headed by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the ADC national chairman, David Mark, three weeks ago.

Mr Abdullahi stated, “This has to be the most shameless government in Nigeria’s history. 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.”

The ADC spokesperson further expressed concerns over “Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space under the All Progressives Congress”, noting that 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”. 

He added, “The world can see what is happening. More importantly, they can see where this path leads.”

Mr Abdullahi accused the ruling APC of sowing the seeds of national instability, warning “political strategy that is anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is ultimately self-destructive”.

The president and the ruling party have consistently denied responsibility for the impasse afflicting major opposition parties.