The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria’s democracy will remain intact even if the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or any other political party fails to appear on the ballot in future elections due to non-compliance with electoral rules.
The party stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, while responding to complaints by a faction of the ADC which alleged that its participation in upcoming elections could be threatened.
Oladejo stressed that while a multi-party system is essential to democracy, the electoral process must be guided by established laws and procedures.
“Democracy is governed by laws and institutional procedures - not by sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist propaganda,” the statement said.
The APC noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates within constitutional boundaries and that all political parties are expected to comply strictly with its regulations.
“Compliance is not optional. Any political party that fails to meet stipulated requirements must bear the full consequences of its own actions,” the party said.
The ruling party also recalled that it had faced similar electoral setbacks in the past, citing the 2019 general elections when the APC was barred from fielding candidates in Zamfara and Rivers states following legal disputes and procedural issues.
According to the party, the development demonstrated that no political organisation is above the law and that electoral consequences are not unique to the ADC or any other opposition party.
The APC further accused the opposition of attempting to deflect responsibility for its internal challenges.
“It is disingenuous for a faction-ridden opposition party to externalise blame and attempt to cast the ruling party as a scapegoat for what are clearly self-inflicted wounds,” the statement said.
The party argued that internal crises within the ADC, including what it described as organisational disorder and procedural recklessness, had contributed to the situation facing the party.
“The electoral process is bigger than any single political party. Heaven will not fall if the ADC, the PDP, or any other party fails to appear on the ballot as a result of its own non-compliance,” it added.
The APC urged political parties to resolve their internal disputes and comply with electoral regulations rather than resorting to public complaints.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and called on stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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