The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has stated that Nigeria’s democratic system would remain intact even if the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and other political parties are absent from the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
The party made the assertion in a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, in response to concerns raised by a faction within the ADC over alleged threats to its participation in the polls.
According to the APC, while political diversity is essential in a democracy, adherence to legal frameworks and established procedures must take precedence in the electoral process.
“Democracy operates on the basis of laws and institutional processes, not sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist narratives,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, functions within the confines of the law and that all political parties are required to meet stipulated guidelines.
It emphasised that compliance with electoral regulations is mandatory, noting that any party that fails to meet the requirements must accept the consequences of its actions.
Drawing from its own experience, the APC recalled its exclusion from elections in Zamfara and Rivers states during the 2019 general elections due to legal and procedural lapses, stressing that no party is immune from the enforcement of electoral rules.
The ruling party further accused sections of the opposition of deflecting responsibility, attributing the ADC’s situation to internal divisions and organisational shortcomings.
“It is misleading for a factionalised opposition party to shift blame and portray the ruling party as responsible for challenges that are clearly self-inflicted,” the statement added.
The APC argued that internal disarray and what it described as procedural missteps have undermined the ADC’s credibility, reiterating that the electoral process is not dependent on any single political party.
“The absence of any party from the ballot due to non-compliance does not threaten the democratic system,” it said.
The party urged political organisations to prioritise internal cohesion and compliance with electoral laws rather than resorting to public complaints.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and strengthen public trust in the nation’s electoral system.
Democracy not at risk if ADC misses 2027 ballot – Lagos APC
