The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, of failing to pay its workers for more than a year.
The ruling party also criticised the ADC’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, questioning the party’s ability to govern Nigeria if it could not meet its financial obligations to its own employees.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dele Alake.
According to the statement, the ADC’s National Working Committee, with Mark as chairman and Aregbesola as secretary, had allegedly neglected the welfare of party staff despite the workers’ dependence on their salaries for daily living expenses.
The APC described the alleged non-payment as unacceptable, arguing that a party seeking public support ahead of the 2027 general election should demonstrate responsible management of its internal affairs.
“It has come to our attention that the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark as Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary, has refused and neglected to pay party staff for over a year,” the statement said.
The ruling party further alleged that the ADC’s conduct contradicted its promises to Nigerians, accusing its leaders of prioritising political ambitions over the welfare of ordinary workers.
It also questioned Atiku’s suitability for the presidency, alleging that his business interests had previously faced complaints over unpaid salaries and staff benefits.
The APC cited claims involving Gotel Communications and other businesses associated with the former vice president, alleging that some employees had experienced prolonged delays in receiving their entitlements.
The statement also revisited Aregbesola’s tenure as governor of Osun State, accusing his administration of failing to pay workers and pensioners their full entitlements on time.
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According to the APC, the administration introduced partial salary payments, including quarter and half salaries, while pensioners allegedly went for extended periods without receiving their payments.
The ruling party claimed that the experience raised further concerns about the ADC leadership’s approach to workers’ welfare.
However, the allegations against the ADC, Atiku and Aregbesola were presented by the APC, and the statement did not include responses from the individuals or party accused.
The APC concluded by urging Nigerians to reject the ADC and its candidates in the 2027 elections, arguing that a party unable to manage its internal obligations should not be entrusted with the country’s affairs.