A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has dismissed claims linking President Bola Tinubu to the ongoing internal crisis in the African Democratic Party (ADC), asserting that no campaign of calumny can hinder Tinubu’s expected landslide victory in the 2027 general elections. Speaking to newsmen in Osogbo on Monday, Oyintiloye condemned the allegations as baseless and disturbing, urging the ADC leadership to address their own internal challenges rather than blaming the president. He emphasized that Tinubu, as a true democrat, has no interest in destabilizing any political party to secure re-election.
Oyintiloye pointed out that the president is not a court of law or a member of the Court of Appeal, and therefore cannot be held responsible for decisions made by judicial bodies in ongoing litigation within the ADC. He stressed that the Federal High Court’s ruling, which led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withholding recognition of any ADC faction until all legal disputes are resolved, was a matter of judicial process, not presidential interference. “Tinubu is not in a position to interfere in such matters,” he said, adding that targeting him for the party’s crisis is a strategic miscalculation.
The APC chieftain urged the ADC leadership to show courage and honesty by addressing their internal divisions openly, instead of deflecting blame onto the president. He called on them to put their house in order and focus on resolving their legal and organizational conflicts. According to Oyintiloye, the current situation is a reflection of poor internal governance within the ADC, not any external manipulation by the ruling party or the president.
In response to allegations that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, Oyintiloye highlighted that INEC currently recognizes 21 political parties, all of which are expected to participate in the 2027 elections. He questioned how the country could be labeled a one-party state with such a diverse political landscape. “With 21 registered parties, including the ADC, how can anyone claim we are moving toward a one-party system?” he asked, urging opposition leaders to stop spreading false narratives and concentrate on strengthening their own parties.
Oyintiloye’s remarks come amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with various parties grappling with internal rifts and legal battles. His comments underscore the APC’s confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects and its commitment to a democratic process. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on party cohesion, legal resolutions, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny on how political parties manage their internal affairs ahead of the next general elections.
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