A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of a new faction led by political commentator and activist, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi.

Danladi, who declared herself chairperson of a faction of the ruling party, claimed to have assumed leadership amid what she described as a deepening internal crisis rocking the APC.

In a statement, she asserted that her faction had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its existence and was seeking the derecognition of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) currently led by Nentawe Yilwatda.

“I, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the APC,” she said, insisting that the current leadership structure lacks legitimacy.

Danladi further disclosed plans to approach a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legality of the existing party leadership, noting that the move was aimed at restoring due process and internal democracy within the APC.

She also revealed that her legal action would seek an order compelling INEC to withdraw recognition of the NWC under Yilwatda, which she described as an “illegitimate structure” overseeing the party’s affairs.

According to her, the step became necessary to safeguard the integrity of the party and ensure adherence to the rule of law.

The development adds a new twist to the ongoing internal wrangling within the APC, raising concerns about unity and stability in the build-up to future electoral contests.

According to him, the nature of electoral threats has evolved significantly, with digital platforms now playing a central role.

“In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lies amplified by an uncritical broadcast station,” he said.

The INEC chairman pointed to provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 designed to curb such risks, including requirements for equal airtime for all political parties and penalties for non-compliance.

“The Act mandates fairness and balance. You must provide a level playing field,” he stated.

He explained that media organisations that fail to comply could face fines of up to N5 million, while responsible officers risk possible imprisonment.

Amupitan also highlighted regulations governing political messaging, including a mandatory 24-hour “media blackout” before election day to limit last-minute voter manipulation. He added that the law criminalises hate speech and inflammatory content, warning against language capable of provoking religious, ethnic, or sectional tensions.

Despite these measures, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as weak enforcement of regulations, the commercialisation of airtime, and the disproportionate media advantage enjoyed by incumbent political actors.

“Political actors with greater financial resources dominate broadcast space,” he noted, adding that this trend undermines equal access and fairness in the electoral process.

To address these concerns, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary. He also urged media organisations to uphold higher editorial standards and prioritise accuracy over profit.

“Fact-check in real-time, mobilise voters’ turnout and choose professionalism over profit,” he said.

He concluded by stressing that modern elections are no longer fought solely at polling units, but also in the information space, where public perception can be shaped long before votes are cast.

Amupitan spoke hours after the opposition led a massive protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso; Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in 2023 and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) marched against INEC under Amupitan, on Wednesday.

The opposition leaders accused the INEC Chairman of working with the ruling party to scuttle ADC chances in 2027.

Amupitan has since denied the allegations.

Speaking in an interview on ARISE Television last week, he had said, ““Let me state very clearly that I’m not a part of anyone’s plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.”

On allegations that the commission did not handle the ADC leadership dispute well, the INEC chairman stressed that the commission acted strictly in line with judicial directives.

“If this judgment didn’t come, would I decide on my own? Even on social media, if you look at people who talk, they speak from their own interests,” Amupitan stated.

“The question is whether they lack confidence in what INEC has done. INEC didn’t make the decision that is causing these grievances.”