ADC Slams APC Claim of Unpaid Staff Salaries as ‘irresponsible Falsehood’

ADC falsehood claim has dominated headlines after the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council alleged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) failed to pay its campaign staff salaries. In a sharply worded response posted on October 26, 2026, the ADC dismissed the accusation as an “irresponsible falsehood” and demanded accountability from the APC for spreading misinformation that could sway undecided voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Background to the staff salaries dispute

The APC’s campaign council released a statement earlier this week claiming that several ADC staff members had not received their agreed remuneration for work done during the pre‑election campaign period. The claim was amplified on social media, with screenshots of alleged payroll records circulating among political watchdog groups. The timing of the allegation—just months before the 2027 presidential race—raised eyebrows among analysts who noted the potential for such narratives to damage the ADC’s credibility.

In response, the ADC’s national spokesperson, Hon. Chukwudi Nwankwo, posted a detailed rebuttal on the party’s official website, titled “Irresponsible Falsehood – ADC Replies APC On Not Paying Staff Salaries.” The post, which was also syndicated by Naija News, categorically denied the APC’s allegations, stating that all staff contracts were honoured and that the APC’s claim was a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the opposition camp.

ADC’s detailed rebuttal

The ADC’s response highlighted three key points. First, it affirmed that every staff member on the campaign payroll received full payment as per the contractual terms signed in January 2026. Second, it provided a summary of the payment schedule, noting that disbursements were made through the party’s audited bank accounts, with receipts available for verification. Third, the ADC accused the APC of weaponising misinformation, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the public to treat the claim with skepticism.

“We have no reason to hide or delay salary payments to our dedicated staff,” the spokesperson wrote. “Our financial records, which are subject to regular audits by reputable firms, clearly show that all obligations were met promptly. The APC’s baseless allegation is a reckless attempt to undermine our campaign’s integrity and distract from the substantive issues facing Nigerians.”

Why the claim matters for the 2027 election

Political campaigns in Nigeria are increasingly scrutinised for transparency, especially after the 2023 elections where allegations of financial mismanagement sparked public protests. Voters are now more attuned to how parties treat their own staff, viewing timely salary payments as a proxy for broader governance standards. Consequently, any suggestion that a party is neglecting its workers can quickly become a liability.

For the ADC, a relatively smaller party compared to the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining a clean image is crucial. The party has positioned itself as a reformist alternative, promising fiscal responsibility and anti‑corruption measures. An unverified claim of unpaid staff could erode trust among its core supporters, particularly the youth and civil society groups that have rallied behind its platform.

Conversely, the APC’s move can be interpreted as a strategic ploy to shift the narrative away from its own internal challenges, such as recent debates over candidate selection and allegations of intra‑party fund misallocation. By casting doubt on the ADC’s financial discipline, the APC hopes to reinforce its own image as the party that can manage large‑scale campaign operations effectively.

Legal and regulatory implications

Under the Electoral Act 2022, all political parties are required to submit audited financial statements to INEC within 30 days after the election. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including the suspension of party activities. While the ADC’s claim of full payment is supported by its internal audit reports, the APC’s allegation, if proven false, could expose the APC to defamation suits under Nigeria’s civil procedure rules.

Legal experts suggest that the matter may be taken to the Federal High Court if either side decides to pursue litigation. In the meantime, INEC has urged both parties to resolve the dispute amicably and to focus on the upcoming voter education campaigns scheduled for early 2027.

Reactions from civil society and the media

Several Nigerian NGOs, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Election Observation Network, called for an independent verification of the payroll records. In a joint statement, they urged the parties to submit the relevant documents to a neutral third‑party auditor to clear any doubts before the election season intensifies.

Media outlets have taken a cautious approach. While Naija News reproduced the ADC’s full statement, other platforms such as Premium Times and Sahara Reporters have sought comments from the APC’s campaign council, which has yet to provide a detailed rebuttal beyond the initial claim.

Opinion pieces in the national press are divided. Some commentators argue that the APC’s allegation reflects a broader trend of political mud‑slinging that distracts from policy debates, while others contend that the ADC must demonstrate transparency to win over skeptical voters.

Implications for party finances and staff morale

Beyond the political optics, the dispute underscores the importance of robust financial management within Nigerian parties. Campaign staff, many of whom are young professionals relying on these salaries for livelihood, are vulnerable to the fallout of such controversies. A perception of delayed or missing payments can lead to demotivation, strikes, or even defections to rival parties.

In response, the ADC announced an internal review of its payroll processes, pledging to publish a summary of the findings on its website within two weeks. The party also promised to hold a town‑hall meeting with staff members in Lagos and Abuja to address any lingering concerns.

The APC, for its part, has not yet disclosed any internal audit of the claim, but insiders suggest that the party’s finance committee is preparing a detailed report to counter the ADC’s accusations.

What voters should watch for

As the 2027 elections approach, voters are encouraged to scrutinise not only the policy platforms of parties but also their internal governance practices. The ADC‑APC salary dispute offers a case study in how political narratives can be shaped by financial allegations.

Key indicators for voters include:

• Whether parties release audited financial statements in a timely manner.
• How quickly and transparently they address staff‑related grievances.
• The presence of independent oversight mechanisms, such as third‑party auditors.

By keeping an eye on these factors, the electorate can make more informed choices about which party truly embodies the principles of accountability and good governance.

FAQ

1. What exactly did the APC claim about ADC staff salaries? The APC alleged that several ADC campaign staff members had not been paid their agreed salaries, suggesting financial mismanagement within the ADC.
2. How did the ADC respond? The ADC issued a statement calling the claim an “irresponsible falsehood,” providing a summary of its payment schedule and asserting that all staff were paid in full according to audited records.
3. Could the APC face legal consequences for the allegation? If the claim is proven false, the APC could be subject to defamation proceedings under Nigerian law, though no formal suit has been filed yet.

For further details, see the original ADC response on Naija News.

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