The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said Nigeria’s democratic system would remain unaffected even if the African Democratic Congress and other parties fail to appear on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
The party made the assertion in a statement issued 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 pluralism is important, strict adherence to legal frameworks and electoral procedures is fundamental to the democratic process.
“Democracy operates on the basis of laws and institutional processes, not sentiment or entitlement,” the statement said.
The party stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates within established legal boundaries and that all political parties must comply with stipulated guidelines to participate in elections.
It added that failure to meet these requirements carries consequences, noting that no party is exempt from the enforcement of electoral rules.
Citing its own experience, the APC recalled its exclusion from elections in Zamfara and Rivers states during the 2019 general elections due to procedural lapses, underscoring that compliance is non-negotiable.
The ruling party also accused sections of the opposition of shifting blame, attributing the ADC’s challenges to internal divisions and organisational weaknesses.
“It is misleading for a factionalised opposition party to hold others responsible for issues that are clearly self-inflicted,” the statement added.
The APC maintained that the absence of any political party from the ballot due to non-compliance does not pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, urging parties to focus on internal cohesion and compliance with electoral laws.
It reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and called on stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
