By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking it to a reported shooting incident involving ADC members in Edo State, describing the claims as “utterly delusional” and calling for a thorough police investigation.
In a press statement issued on 26 February, 2026, in Abuja, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ruling party had no involvement in the incident and accused the ADC of making baseless accusations without regard for due process.
The statement followed an earlier ADC press briefing dated February 25, 2026, in which the opposition party reportedly blamed the APC for the shooting.
Reacting to the allegation, Morka said the ADC had acted prematurely by assigning responsibility before any investigation by law enforcement agencies.
“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,” he said.
He further criticised the ADC’s position, arguing that the party had assumed multiple roles in its handling of the incident.
“By its baseless conclusion, the party has declared itself to be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in its own cause,” Morka stated.
The APC spokesman questioned the ADC’s capacity for governance, suggesting that the party’s response to the incident raised concerns about its leadership and judgment.
He said Nigerians would be justified in doubting the ADC’s ability to manage national security challenges.
“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,” he said.
Morka also faulted the ADC’s reference to alleged “acts of terrorism by the ruling APC,” describing the characterisation as reckless and unjustifiable.
According to him, such claims reflected desperation and a disconnect from the realities of Nigeria’s security situation.
“This characterization only reveals the ADC and its leaders as a confused bunch, desperate to whip up sentiments and curry public sympathy at all costs,” he said.
“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 violence in the political space, the APC expressed sympathy over the reported incident and urged security agencies to act swiftly.
“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,” Morka said.
He added, “We call on police and other law enforcement authorities to carry out an expeditious investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
However, the APC maintained that investigators should examine internal dynamics within the ADC, alleging that the party was plagued by leadership disputes.
Morka suggested that law enforcement agencies should scrutinise the ADC’s leadership and members as part of the probe.
“Investigation of this incident should begin with a thorough scrutiny of the ADC, its leaders and members as prime suspects,” he said, alleging that the party was “overrun by internal leadership and cult-like supremacy struggles.”
He further claimed that authorities should explore reports of violent clashes among ADC factions.
“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,” Morka stated.
Reiterating the APC’s denial, the spokesman insisted that the ruling party bore no responsibility for the incident.
“To be clear, the APC has absolutely no role or responsibility in the unfortunate shooting incident,” he said.
Morka added that the APC was focused on consolidating recent electoral gains rather than engaging in disputes with opposition parties.
“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,” he said.
He also criticised the ADC’s electoral performance, describing it as dismal.
“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,” he said.
The APC, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to voters in the FCT, Kano and Rivers states, attributing its electoral successes to growing public support.
Morka said the outcomes reflected confidence in the party and President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by affirming the party’s commitment to governance.
“Our party and Mr President remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous country for the good of all Nigerians,” Morka stated.
