The All Progressives Congress, APC, has denied any involvement in the reported shooting incident involving members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Edo State, describing the opposition party as “its own nemesis.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said the ADC was quick to accuse the ruling party without waiting for the outcome of investigations by security agencies.
The APC described the ADC’s claim as “delusional” and “reckless,” arguing that the opposition party had appointed itself accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge in the matter.
The ruling party said Nigerians should be worried that a party which, in its view, could not manage a single incident with maturity and respect for due process was presenting itself as an alternative capable of handling the country’s security challenges.
Reacting to the ADC’s reference to “acts of terrorism” allegedly carried out by the APC, the party said the description was unjustifiable and insensitive to the sacrifices of Nigerian troops fighting terrorism across the country.
While condemning violence in the political space, the APC called on the police and other law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough and speedy investigation into the Edo incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The party, however, said the probe should include a close look at the ADC, its leaders and members, citing what it described as internal leadership crises and violent clashes among factional leaders over control of party activities.
“The ADC cannot smear our great party with a violent incident of its own exclusive making,” the APC said.
It insisted that it had no role in the shooting, adding that it was focused on what it described as its recent electoral victories in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as constituency elections in Rivers and Kano states.
The APC also thanked Nigerians, particularly voters in the FCT, Kano and Rivers, for what it called their continued support, and reaffirmed its commitment to working with President Bola Tinubu to build a stronger and more prosperous country.
