The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded sharply to recent claims by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing allegations that actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are aimed at preventing the party from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesperson for the Lagos APC, the party maintained that while political pluralism remains vital to Nigeria’s democracy, all political actors must operate within the confines of the law and established institutional procedures.
The party stressed that democracy is governed by rules—not sentiment, entitlement, or what it described as alarmist propaganda.
According to the APC, INEC, as the constitutionally empowered electoral body, is bound to enforce compliance with electoral guidelines in order to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the process.
It noted that adherence to these rules is not optional, warning that any party that fails to meet stipulated requirements must bear the consequences.
The ruling party argued that the ADC’s situation is not unique, pointing to its own past experiences during the 2019 general elections.
“In Zamfara State, the APC was barred from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, leading to the Supreme Court nullifying its victories.
“Similarly, in Rivers State, the party was excluded from the ballot following internal disputes and flawed nomination processes, as upheld by the courts.
“These precedents make it clear that no political party is above the law,” the statement noted, adding that compliance cannot be replaced by public outcry or political pressure.
The APC further accused the ADC of attempting to deflect responsibility for its internal challenges by casting blame on external forces.
Plagued by indiscipline
It described the opposition party as factionalized and plagued by indiscipline and procedural lapses, which it said have undermined its credibility.
The statement also took aim at the ADC’s leadership, portraying it as disorganized and lacking the capacity to manage basic party affairs.
It suggested that such deficiencies raise concerns about the party’s readiness for democratic engagement.
Reaffirming its position, the APC declared that it would not be “blackmailed” into accepting responsibility for what it called the ADC’s “ineptitude, recklessness, and desperation-driven miscalculations.”
It advised the party to focus instead on resolving its internal issues and complying with electoral regulations.
The APC emphasized that the electoral process is bigger than any single political party, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy would remain intact regardless of whether the ADC—or any other party—appears on the ballot due to non-compliance.
It concluded by urging all political stakeholders to prioritize discipline, accountability, and respect for institutions, noting that these values are essential to strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
