The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected allegations linking it to a reported shooting incident involving leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State, describing the claims as “delusional” and “baseless.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said the ADC was responsible for its own internal crisis and political instability.
Titled “ADC Is Its Own Nemesis,” the statement accused the opposition party of rushing to judgment and attempting to gain public sympathy through what it called unfounded accusations.
> “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is, undoubtedly, its own nemesis. It needs no external help to achieve its political demise,” the APC said.
The party further described ADC leaders as “insufferable jesters,” alleging that they had resorted to what it termed “dark humour” to distract Nigerians from their internal problems.
Reacting to a February 25, 2026 press release by the ADC, in which the party allegedly blamed the APC for the shooting incident in Edo State, the ruling party said such claims were irresponsible.
> “That is utterly delusional. Accusing the APC even before any investigation is carried out by law enforcement is particularly senseless,” the statement read.
The APC added that by making premature conclusions, the ADC had “declared itself to be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in its own cause.”
According to the ruling party, the incident raised serious questions about the opposition party’s capacity to handle national security matters.
> “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 said.
The APC also faulted the ADC’s alleged reference to “acts of terrorism” in relation to the ruling party, describing it as unjustifiable and insensitive.
> “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,” the statement noted.
It added that such claims showed a lack of appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigerian security personnel fighting terrorism across the country.
Despite rejecting the allegations, the APC condemned the reported attack and called for a thorough investigation.
> “Make no mistake, violence of any kind in our political space is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians,” the party said.
> “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 party further suggested that investigators should scrutinise internal conflicts within the ADC.
> “Investigation of this incident should begin with a thorough scrutiny of the ADC, its leaders and members as prime suspects,” the statement added.
It alleged that the opposition party was plagued by leadership tussles and factional disputes, which could have contributed to the incident.
The ruling party also dismissed the relevance of the alleged ADC meeting in Edo State, insisting it was focused on governance and recent electoral successes.
> “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,” the APC stated.
It further urged the ADC to reflect on what it described as its “dismal and disgraceful performance” in recent by-elections.
In the statement, the APC expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support, particularly voters in the FCT, Kano and Rivers states.
The party also commended the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, pledging continued commitment to national development.
> “Our Party and Mr President remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous country for the good of all Nigerians,” it said.