The Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to focus on its own affairs rather than interfering in the matters of opposition parties.
The ADC was responding to comments by the APC Lagos State spokesperson, Mr. Seye Oladejo, who stated that the leadership crisis within the party was self-inflicted due to a disregard for due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday on behalf of the ADC Directorate of Communication, Mr. Olusegun Adekayero said Oladejo’s remarks reflect the APC’s attitude toward democratic inclusion and political plurality.While acknowledging that electoral processes are governed by laws and institutional frameworks, the ADC said it is misleading and irresponsible for the ruling party to trivialise legitimate concerns raised by opposition parties regarding transparency, fairness, and administrative consistency in elections.
“The ADC firmly rejects the insinuation that its concerns stem from non-compliance or internal disarray. On the contrary, our party has consistently demonstrated a commitment to due process, internal democracy, and adherence to guidelines as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).“
Raising concerns about procedural ambiguities or potential administrative bias should not be misconstrued as weakness, but recognised as a necessary measure to safeguard democracy,” the statement reads.
The ADC further noted: “It is ironic that the APC, which has previously suffered exclusion in states such as Zamfara and Rivers due to legal and procedural failures, now seeks to weaponise those experiences as justification for dismissing the concerns of others.
“Those very precedents underscore the importance of vigilance, fairness, and equal application of the law, not selective interpretation or political arrogance.”
The opposition party added that democracy thrives not just on legal compliance, but also on inclusiveness, transparency, and public confidence, warning that:
“Any attempt whether direct or indirect to undermine the participation of legitimate political parties raises serious questions about the health of our democratic process.”
The ADC emphasised that it could neither be intimidated nor silenced “by rhetoric that seeks to delegitimise its voice,” stressing:
“We remain committed to engaging all lawful mechanisms to ensure that our candidates and supporters are not unjustly excluded from the electoral process.”
It advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “to continue to uphold its constitutional responsibility with the utmost neutrality, transparency, and fairness toward all political parties.
”The party concluded: “Furthermore, we urge the APC to rise above dismissive commentary and instead contribute constructively to strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.”
