The Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria’s democracy will not collapse if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any other political party fails to appear on the ballot in forthcoming elections.
The party made the remark in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, while responding to complaints by a faction of the ADC over alleged threats to its participation in the polls.
Oladejo said the electoral process must be guided strictly by law, not sentiment or political pressure.
“Democracy is governed by laws and institutional procedures—not by sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist propaganda,” the statement read.
He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates within constitutional limits and that compliance with electoral guidelines is mandatory for all political parties.
“Compliance is not optional. Any political party that fails to meet stipulated requirements must bear the full consequences of its own actions,” he said.
The APC cited its exclusion from elections in Zamfara and Rivers states during the 2019 general elections as evidence that no party is above the law.
According to the party, those precedents show that electoral consequences are not unique to the ADC.
The ruling party also accused the ADC of attempting to shift blame 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 APC further described the ADC’s situation as a result of “disorder” and “procedural recklessness”.
“The electoral process is bigger than any single political party. Heaven will not fall if the ADC, or any other party, fails to appear on the ballot as a result of its own non-compliance,” it added.
The party urged political actors to resolve internal disputes and adhere to electoral guidelines, while reaffirming its commitment to credible elections.
