The attention of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to the latest outburst by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may prevent it from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections.

While political pluralism remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be stated unequivocally that democracy is governed by laws and institutional procedures-not by sentiment, entitlement, or alarmist propaganda.

INEC, as the constitutionally empowered electoral body, operates strictly within the bounds of the law to safeguard the integrity, order, and credibility of the electoral process. Compliance is not optional. Any political party that fails to meet stipulated requirements must bear the full consequences of its own actions.

The situation confronting the ADC is neither novel nor exceptional. The APC itself has previously endured similar legal and electoral consequences:

• In Zamfara State during the 2019 general elections, the APC was barred from fielding candidates due to invalid primaries, resulting in the Supreme Court nullifying all its victories.
• In Rivers State in the same election cycle, the party was excluded owing to internal disputes and flawed nomination processes, as affirmed by the courts.

These precedents reinforce a simple truth: no political party is above the law, and no amount of noise can substitute for compliance.

It is therefore disingenuous for a faction-ridden opposition party to externalize blame and attempt to cast the ruling party as a scapegoat for what are clearly self-inflicted wounds. The ADC’s growing reputation for disorder, indiscipline, and procedural recklessness has reduced it to a subject of public ridicule.

More troubling is the exposure of its so-called leadership-individuals once presented as seasoned statesmen, but who now appear directionless, incoherent, and incapable of managing even the most basic requirements of party organization. Their failure to demonstrate discipline, cohesion, and respect for due process raises serious doubts about their fitness for democratic engagement.

It is perhaps no coincidence that some among them were active participants or apologists in eras where arbitrariness, rather than the rule of law, prevailed. Their evident discomfort with constitutional order and institutional discipline is a reflection of that legacy.

Let it be clearly stated: the APC will not be blackmailed into accepting responsibility for the ADC’s ineptitude, recklessness, and desperation-driven miscalculations. As they scramble in search of another political platform to appropriate, they would be well advised to acquaint themselves with the legal principle of caveat emptor-let the buyer beware.

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.

Rather than resort to noisy lamentations and public theatrics, political parties should put their houses in order, resolve internal contradictions, and adhere strictly to electoral guidelines.

Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened through discipline, accountability, and respect for institutions-not through excuses and manufactured outrage.

The APC remains steadfast in its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections and urges all stakeholders to act in ways that build, rather than erode, public confidence in the democratic process.

Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo
Lagos APC Spokesman