Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congratulates the newly recognised leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the pronouncement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While we acknowledge this formal recognition, we cannot overlook the many pitfalls, questionable processes, and undeniable undemocratic underhand tactics that trailed its emergence.
In truth, what INEC has done is to place a legal stamp on a house built on sand.
That said, the APC believes in the supremacy of the rule of law and the authority of INEC in regulating party affairs. It is in this spirit that we extend our congratulations to the ADC leadership, hoping that this legitimacy will inspire them to build structures anchored on transparency and principle, rather than manipulation, propaganda, and excuses.
More importantly, we urge the ADC, its leadership, and indeed all opposition parties, to take seriously the clear warning from INEC on premature campaigns.
The 2027 elections are still far ahead, and the rules governing campaigns are unambiguous. To jump the gun not only undermines fair competition but also exposes a party’s desperation and disregard for law and order.
The Lagos APC further charges the seemingly rebranded ADC to be prepared to add value to our democracy by playing the role of a credible opposition that offers realistic policy alternatives, rather than indulging in bitter rhetoric that adds no value to governance or the lives of Nigerians.
While the APC builds roads, rails, power infrastructure and economic reforms that create a future, the ADC builds excuses, issues press statements, and thrives on empty noise. Nigerians deserve better from any party that claims to be a national platform.
The APC, not only as the ruling party, but also as the largest and the party of choice in Nigeria, remains the biggest stakeholder as regards the maintenance of peace and stability of the nation.
In this regard, we advise the ADC and other opposition parties not to unnecessarily heat up the polity by their premature electioneering campaigns.
The APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains fully committed to fair play, law, and democratic order.
We therefore advise the ADC and others to channel their energies into issue-based politics, constructive engagement, and adherence to the rules of the game, rather than indulging in political rascality and premature electioneering.
The APC stands ready to meet all comers at the polls in 2027, but we will do so within the framework of the law and the spirit of democracy.
If the ADC cannot first win councillorship seats or demonstrate grassroots relevance, it is laughable to dream of the presidency. As our people wisely say: “No one climbs a tree from the top.”
Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo
Lagos APC Spokesman
