Lagos APC dismisses ADC concerns over possible exclusion from ballot
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it may be prevented from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections due to actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, the APC said while political pluralism is essential to democracy, the electoral process must be guided strictly by laws and established procedures rather than sentiment or what it described as “alarmist propaganda.”
The party maintained that INEC operates within the confines of the law to ensure credible elections, stressing that compliance with electoral requirements is mandatory for all political parties.
According to the APC, any party that fails to meet stipulated guidelines must bear the consequences, noting that the situation facing the ADC is not unprecedented.
It cited the 2019 general elections in Zamfara State where the APC was barred from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, leading to the nullification of its victories by the Supreme Court.
The party also referenced a similar development in Rivers State during the same election cycle, where internal disputes and flawed nomination processes led to its exclusion, as upheld by the courts.
“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 statement read.
The APC criticised the ADC for attempting to shift blame, attributing the opposition party’s predicament to internal challenges and procedural lapses, while urging all political actors to comply with electoral laws and uphold discipline, accountability and respect for democratic institutions.
