ADC Cannot Pay Its Workers, Yet Seeks to Govern Nigeria — APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged failure to pay its staff for more than 12 months, describing the development as evidence of what it called the opposition party’s insincerity and inability to govern Nigeria.

In a statement, the APC accused the ADC National Working Committee, led by Senator David Mark as chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, of neglecting the welfare of party employees despite their continued service.

The ruling party described the alleged non-payment of salaries as unacceptable, arguing that a political party aspiring to lead Nigeria should demonstrate its commitment to workers’ welfare by fulfilling its obligations to its own employees.

According to the APC, the development exposes what it characterised as the emptiness of the ADC’s promises to Nigerians and undermines the credibility of those presenting themselves as an alternative to the current administration.

The APC also attacked former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, whom it identified as the ADC’s presidential candidate, alleging that his political ambition was driven by personal interests and opposition to President Bola Tinubu rather than a genuine commitment to national development.

The ruling party further alleged that employees of Atiku’s Gotel Communications and other businesses had experienced months of unpaid salaries and benefits, leading to protests by affected workers.

It also questioned Aregbesola’s record as governor of Osun State, accusing his administration of mismanaging the state’s finances and failing to meet its obligations to workers and pensioners.

The APC alleged that the Aregbesola administration introduced half-salary and quarter-salary payments for civil servants, while pensioners reportedly endured years without receiving their entitlements.

According to the party, the alleged experiences of workers and pensioners under Aregbesola’s administration raise concerns about his suitability to occupy a leadership position in the ADC.

The APC said it was not surprised by the alleged failure to pay ADC staff, arguing that the situation reflected what it described as a pattern of disregard for workers’ welfare among the party’s leadership.

It urged Nigerians, particularly workers, to reject the ADC, Atiku and the party’s candidates in the next general elections.

The ruling party maintained that a political organisation unable to manage its internal affairs and meet its obligations to its workforce should not be entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country.

The allegations against the ADC, Atiku and Aregbesola were contained in the APC’s statement. The claims could not be independently verified from the statement alone.