The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria’s democracy will remain intact even if opposition parties fail to appear on the ballot in forthcoming elections.

The party’s position comes amid a widening political crisis and internal disputes affecting several opposition parties, including the ADC and PDP, as well as other smaller platforms struggling with leadership tensions and regulatory challenges ahead of future elections.

The party stated this on Tuesday in a statement issued by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, while responding to complaints by a faction of the ADC over alleged threats to its participation in the polls.

According to the APC, democracy is anchored on laws and institutional processes, not emotions or political pressure.

“Democracy is governed by laws and institutional procedures, not by sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist propaganda,” the statement said.

The ruling party emphasised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates strictly within constitutional provisions.

He stressed that compliance with electoral guidelines is compulsory for all political parties.

It warned that parties that fail to meet stipulated requirements must accept the consequences of their actions.

“Compliance is not optional. Any political party that fails to meet stipulated requirements must bear the full consequences of its own actions,” it added.

The Lagos APC cited its own experience during the 2019 general elections, when it was excluded from participating in elections in Zamfara and Rivers states due to legal and procedural issues.

It said the precedent underscores that no political party is above the law and that electoral sanctions are not peculiar to any one party.

The party also accused the opposition of attempting to deflect responsibility, attributing the current situation to internal crises within the ADC.

“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.

It further described the ADC’s internal challenges as a product of disorder and procedural recklessness, which it said had weakened the party’s credibility.

“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,” the APC added.

The party urged political actors to focus on resolving internal disputes and adhering to laid down guidelines instead of engaging in public accusations.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the APC called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. (Daily Trust)

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