The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has stated that Nigeria’s democracy would remain intact even if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties fail to feature on the ballot in upcoming elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party was responding to concerns raised by a faction within the ADC over alleged threats to its participation in the polls.
The APC emphasised that while political pluralism is important, the electoral process must strictly adhere to established laws and procedures. It maintained that democracy operates within defined legal and institutional frameworks, not on sentiment or what it described as alarmist narratives.
The party further asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) functions within constitutional boundaries, stressing that all political parties are obligated to comply with electoral regulations. According to the APC, failure to meet these requirements carries inevitable consequences.
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Drawing from past experiences, the ruling party recalled its own exclusion from elections in Zamfara State and Rivers State during the 2019 general elections due to legal and procedural lapses, noting that no party is above the law.
The APC also faulted the ADC for attempting to shift responsibility, attributing its current challenges to internal divisions and organisational shortcomings. It described the opposition party’s situation as self-inflicted, citing internal disorder and procedural missteps as factors undermining its credibility.
The party maintained that the electoral process outweighs the interest of any single political group, adding that the absence of any party from the ballot due to non-compliance would not threaten the country’s democratic system.
It urged political parties to prioritise resolving internal disputes and adhering to electoral guidelines rather than engaging in public accusations. The APC reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and called on stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.