The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC PCC, has accused the African Democratic Congress, ADC, of failing to pay its workers for more than 12 months, urging Nigerians to reject the opposition party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC has dismissed the allegation as false and challenged the APC to provide evidence to support its claim.
The APC PCC spokesperson, Dele Alake, made the allegation in a statement on Monday, accusing the ADC National Working Committee, led by former Senate President David Mark as chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, of neglecting the welfare of party workers.
APC attacks Atiku, Aregbesola
The APC campaign council also accused Atiku of having a record of unpaid salaries at his businesses, alleging that workers at Gotel Communications and other businesses linked to him had previously gone months without receiving their wages and benefits.
Mr Alake also criticised Mr Aregbesola’s record as governor of Osun State, alleging that his administration introduced quarter- and half-salary payments and left pensioners without their entitlements for years.
The APC said the alleged failure of the ADC to pay its own workers raised questions about the party’s ability to manage the affairs of the country if elected.
It consequently called on Nigerians, particularly workers, to reject the ADC, Atiku and other candidates contesting the 2027 elections on the party’s platform.
ADC demands evidence
Reacting, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected the allegation and accused the APC of attempting to divert attention from the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
Mr Abdullahi challenged the APC Presidential Campaign Council to produce credible evidence showing that the ADC owed its workers more than 12 months’ salaries.
He described the allegation as an attempt to distract Nigerians from issues including the rising cost of living, unemployment and insecurity.
“The ADC categorically rejects this allegation as an irresponsible falsehood,” Abdullahi said, adding that the APC should provide evidence instead of making what he described as fabricated claims.
ADC shifts focus to cost of living
The opposition party argued that Nigerians were more concerned about the rising prices of essential goods, lack of employment opportunities and insecurity than allegations concerning the internal affairs of opposition parties.
Mr Abdullahi accused the APC of preparing for the 2027 elections by attacking opposition parties rather than presenting its achievements to voters.
He said the ADC would remain focused on the economic hardship facing Nigerians and would not allow what it described as political distractions to derail its campaign.
The exchange comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the economy, security and the performance of the Tinubu administration expected to feature prominently in the campaigns.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
