By Our Reporter 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) linking it to a reported shooting incident involving ADC members in Edo State, describing the opposition party as “its own nemesis” and accusing it of self-inflicted political decline.

In a statement issued on Thursday, in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said the ADC’s claim that the ruling party was responsible for the incident was “utterly delusional” and made without regard for due process or ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies.

The ruling party criticised the ADC for allegedly accusing it even before any formal investigation had been conducted, arguing that such action portrayed the party as assuming the roles of accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge in its own cause.

According to the APC, the ADC’s reference to “acts of terrorism by the ruling APC” in its February 25 press statement was reckless and unjustifiable, adding that such characterisation trivialised the country’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and the sacrifices of security personnel on the frontlines.

The APC, however, condemned violence in the political space, describing the reported shooting in Edo State as unacceptable.

It called on the police and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The statement further suggested that investigators should scrutinise internal developments within the ADC, alleging that the party was plagued by leadership tussles and factional disputes that could have contributed to the incident.

The APC maintained that it had no involvement in the shooting and rejected any attempt to associate it with what it termed the ADC’s “internal crises”.

The ruling party said it was focused on consolidating its recent electoral victories, including what it described as significant wins in the Federal Capital Territory municipal elections and constituency elections in Rivers and Kano states.

It expressed appreciation to voters in those states for what it called a vote of confidence in the party and in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reaffirming its commitment to governance, the APC stated that both the party and the President remained focused on building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Nigeria for all citizens.