APC Says Democracy Safe Without ADC in 2027 Polls

Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that Nigeria’s democratic system would remain robust even if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties fail to meet electoral requirements and are consequently excluded from the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo, the party responded to concerns raised by a faction within the ADC over its potential absence from the ballot. The APC maintained that while political diversity is essential in a democracy, strict adherence to legal frameworks and established electoral procedures must take precedence.

“Democracy operates on the basis of laws and institutional processes, not sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist narratives,” the statement said. It emphasised 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. The APC noted that compliance with electoral regulations is mandatory, and 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.

The APC 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. The statement comes amid growing tensions within opposition parties over electoral participation and compliance with INEC regulations ahead of the 2027 polls.