APC to Nigerians: Reject Atiku, ADC over unpaid staff salaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has urged Nigerians to reject former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates in the 2027 general elections over alleged failure to pay party workers for 12 months.

The council accused the ADC National Working Committee, led by Senator David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, of neglecting its workforce despite the party’s promises to Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Monday, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, described the alleged non-payment of salaries as reprehensible, arguing that a party unable to meet its obligations to workers should not be entrusted with governing the country.

“It is unconscionable that a political party that has made many grandiose promises to hoodwink Nigerians owes its workers for more than 12 months,” Alake said.

He alleged that the development exposed the ADC’s insincerity and questioned the party’s capacity to manage Nigeria’s affairs.

The APC campaign council also accused Atiku of having a record of owing employees, alleging that workers at his Gotel Communication and other businesses had experienced months of unpaid salaries and benefits.

It further criticised Aregbesola’s record as governor of Osun State, alleging that his administration struggled to pay workers and pensioners during his eight years in office.

According to the statement, the administration introduced quarter-salary and half-salary payments, while pensioners allegedly went for more than four years without receiving their full entitlements.

The council said the alleged record of the ADC’s leaders raised concerns about their ability to protect workers’ welfare if entrusted with public office.

“We are sounding a warning to Nigerians and working people now: reject ADC. Reject Atiku Abubakar and reject all ADC candidates in the next general elections,” Alake said.

The statement, dated October 26, 2026, comes amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegations against the ADC, Atiku and Aregbesola were made by the APC Presidential Campaign Council. The statement did not include a response from the ADC or the individuals accused.