APC Dismisses ADC Claims Over Ballot Exclusion, Insists Compliance with INEC Rules Is Mandatory

APC Dismisses ADC Claims Over Ballot Exclusion, Insists Compliance with INEC Rules Is Mandatory

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding possible exclusion from upcoming elections, stressing that adherence to electoral guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains compulsory for all political parties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the ADC’s complaints were misplaced, noting that Nigeria’s democracy operates on established laws and institutional procedures rather than sentiment or political rhetoric.

Oladejo emphasized that INEC, as the constitutionally mandated electoral umpire, is guided strictly by legal frameworks designed to ensure the credibility and orderliness of elections. He added that any party failing to meet stipulated requirements must bear the consequences of its non-compliance.

The APC cited past experiences to reinforce its position, recalling that it faced similar setbacks during the 2019 general elections. In Zamfara State, the party was barred from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, leading to the nullification of its victories by the Supreme Court. Likewise, in Rivers State, internal disputes and flawed nomination processes resulted in its exclusion from the ballot.

According to the party, these precedents demonstrate that no political party is above the law and that compliance with electoral regulations is non-negotiable.

The statement further criticized the ADC for what it described as attempts to shift blame, attributing the party’s challenges to internal disorganization and lack of procedural discipline. It argued that the ADC’s leadership had failed to demonstrate the cohesion and structure required for effective political participation.

Oladejo maintained that the APC would not accept responsibility for what it termed the ADC’s “self-inflicted” issues, urging political parties to focus on resolving internal disputes and adhering strictly to electoral guidelines.

He concluded by reiterating the APC’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, calling on all stakeholders to strengthen democratic institutions through accountability and respect for due process rather than “manufactured outrage.”