The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide evidence for its allegation that the opposition party has failed to pay its workers for more than 12 months, dismissing the claim as an attempt to divert attention from Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute followed a statement by the APC Presidential Campaign Council, which accused the ADC, led by National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, of neglecting its employees despite their daily contributions to the party.
The ruling party also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate, over alleged unpaid salaries in his businesses.
In its response on Monday, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the allegation as false and demanded verifiable evidence from the APC.
The opposition party argued that the ruling party should account for its performance under President Bola Tinubu rather than focus on accusations against political opponents.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, who is also the Minister of Solid Minerals, said the alleged failure to pay party workers raised questions about the ADC’s ability to manage Nigeria’s affairs if elected in 2027.
The council described the alleged non-payment of salaries as unacceptable, arguing that workers who depend on their earnings for daily survival should not be left without pay for more than a year.
It also questioned the credibility of the ADC’s promises to Nigerians, maintaining that a party unable to meet its financial obligations to its own workforce should not be entrusted with national leadership.
The APC further alleged that employees of Atiku’s Gotel Communication and other businesses had experienced months without salaries, prompting protests over unpaid wages and benefits.
It also criticised Aregbesola’s record as Osun State governor, accusing his administration of introducing partial salary payments for workers and leaving pensioners without their full entitlements for years.
The campaign council used the allegations to urge Nigerians to reject Atiku, the ADC and other candidates of the opposition party in the next general election.
Responding, Abdullahi accused the APC of attempting to distract Nigerians from the challenges facing the country, insisting that the ruling party should substantiate its claims instead of making public accusations.
He said the cost-of-living crisis, unemployment and insecurity remained more pressing concerns for citizens than allegations concerning the internal administration of opposition parties.
According to the ADC, Nigerians are struggling with rising prices of essential goods, limited employment opportunities for young people and security threats affecting communities and livelihoods across the country.
Abdullahi also accused the APC of preparing for the 2027 elections by attacking opposition figures rather than presenting its achievements and explaining why Nigerians should support another term for the ruling party.
The opposition party further challenged Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris and other APC figures defending the administration to explain its record after three years of economic hardship and uncertainty.
The exchange comes as political parties position themselves for the 2027 general elections, with economic conditions, unemployment, insecurity and the performance of the Tinubu administration expected to feature prominently in political campaigns.
