📰 Fact Check: APC Says ADC Leaders Are ‘Twinkle Little Stars’ – Truth Behind Morka’s Claim
🔎 The Claim
Twinkle Little Stars, a claim circulating on social media and some news outlets reports that:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described ADC leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola as politically ineffective ‘twinkle, twinkle, little stars’ making no impact in Nigerian politics.”
The story has sparked debate about the influence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and its key figures ahead of upcoming elections.
⚡ Quick Summary
Claim: APC says ADC leaders are ineffective “twinkle little stars”
Verdict: ✅ True (Morka made these remarks)
Source(s): Channels Television, verified APC statements
📊 What We Found
After reviewing credible sources, TheNaijaPost found that the claim is true. Felix Morka, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, indeed made these comments in a televised interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Morka was responding to ADC allegations that the APC is interfering in the party’s internal affairs. He stated that opposition figures now associated with the ADC—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola—do not collectively translate into a strong political impact, describing them metaphorically as “twinkle, twinkle, little stars.”
🧾 The Evidence
To verify the APC Twinkle Little Stars claim, we reviewed:
- Televised Interview – On Sunday Politics, Felix Morka said:“Atiku Abubakar… Rotimi Amaechi… Rauf Aregbesola… individually they look like superstars, but when they come together, they are ‘twinkle, twinkle, little stars’. They are making no impact whatsoever.”
- Statements on Alleged APC Interference – Morka challenged the ADC to provide evidence of APC interference:“ADC makes this allegation about APC’s interference… what exactly? ADC should furnish Nigerians with evidence of APC’s complicity in their predicament.”
- Internal Party Criticism – Morka also suggested that ADC is engaging in self-sabotage due to internal mismanagement:“I’m beginning to think… the ADC is self-sabotaging. They are sabotaging themselves because they know that there is no way they have anything capable of challenging or defeating the APC.”
- Historical Context – Morka referenced the history of opposition figures, claiming that many involved in ADC, including Peter Obi, have a record of instability and poor party management, citing their movement between parties as evidence.
All these points confirm that Morka did make the remarks and that they reflect the APC’s stance on ADC’s political effectiveness.
🧠 Context & Analysis
The APC Twinkle Little Stars remark is a metaphorical critique rather than a factual assertion about policy or governance. Contextually:
- Political Messaging: APC often uses strong rhetorical language to frame opposition coalitions as weak or ineffective.
- Leadership Crisis in ADC: ADC has been experiencing internal disputes, including rival factions contesting control and INEC temporarily withdrawing recognition of David Mark-led leadership, lending some context to Morka’s criticism.
- Influence of Former Leaders: While figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi have extensive political experience, Morka argues that their combined influence within ADC has not translated into tangible electoral impact.
It is important to note that this is an opinion statement by a ruling party official; while accurate as a direct quote, it reflects APC’s perspective and political strategy.
📌 Verdict
✅ TRUE
Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, did describe ADC leaders as “twinkle, twinkle, little stars” and criticized their collective political impact. The remarks are factual, reflecting his stated position on the opposition coalition.
📢 Why This Matters
Statements like these influence public perception of opposition parties and highlight political narratives ahead of elections. Fact-checking ensures citizens understand what is a verifiable quote versus what is misleading interpretation or exaggeration.
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