The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has criticised the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress over what it described as a dismissive response to concerns raised by opposition parties ahead of elections, warning that such remarks could undermine democratic inclusion.

PUNCH Online reports that the APC in Lagos State said Nigeria’s democracy will not be undermined if the ADC and other parties fail to appear on the ballot in forthcoming elections.

The Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, had stressed that while political pluralism is vital, the electoral process must be guided strictly by established laws and procedures.

Oladejo had further argued that the ADC’s internal issues, including what it described as “disorder” and “procedural recklessness,” had undermined its 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 party had stated in part.

Reacting to Oladejo’s comment, the Lagos ADC, in a statement signed by Olusegun Adekayero on behalf of the party’s Directorate of Communication, on Tuesday, said Oladejo’s comment, suggesting that “heaven will not fall” over opposition concerns, was troubling and reflective of the ruling party’s attitude towards political plurality.

Adekayero said that while electoral processes are guided by laws and institutional frameworks, it was “misleading and irresponsible” for the APC to trivialise issues relating to transparency, fairness, and administrative consistency in the conduct of elections.

“The Lagos State Chapter of the ADC considers the recent remarks by the spokesperson of the APC as not only dismissive but also a troubling reflection of the ruling party’s attitude toward democratic inclusion and political plurality,” the statement read.

The party rejected insinuations that its concerns were a result of internal disorganisation or non-compliance with electoral guidelines, insisting that it had consistently adhered to the rules set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Adekayero also accused the APC of double standards, recalling instances where the ruling party had faced exclusion from electoral contests in states such as Zamfara and Rivers due to legal disputes.

“Raising concerns about procedural ambiguities or potential administrative bias should not be misconstrued as weakness but recognised as a necessary part of safeguarding democracy.

“It is ironic that the APC, which has previously suffered exclusion… now seeks to weaponise those experiences as justification for dismissing the concerns of others,” he added.

The opposition party maintained that democracy thrives on inclusiveness, transparency, and the confidence of all stakeholders, warning that any attempt to undermine participation by legitimate political parties raises concerns about the health of the democratic process.

He stressed that It would continue to pursue all lawful means to ensure that its candidates and supporters are not unjustly excluded from the electoral process.

“We will not be intimidated or silenced by rhetoric that seeks to delegitimise our voice,” the statement added.

The ADC further called on INEC to uphold its constitutional responsibility by ensuring neutrality, transparency, and fairness in the electoral process.

It also urged the APC to adopt a more constructive approach in strengthening democratic institutions rather than dismissing opposition concerns. (The PUNCH)