The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised renewed calls by opposition figures for further amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, describing the agitation as politically motivated and lacking in substance.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, the party expressed disappointment over what it termed attempts by certain opposition elements to reopen debate on the electoral framework without what it called “constructive engagement.”
The Lagos APC argued that the current discourse does not reflect principled advocacy for reform but rather frustration from parties it said had failed to build credible political structures. According to the statement, effective democratic participation requires organisation, policy clarity, and grassroots engagement.
The party maintained that the existing electoral framework was duly enacted by the National Assembly of Nigeria and is being implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that concerns should be channelled through established legislative and institutional processes.
Referring to recent by-elections, the APC contended that electoral outcomes are determined not only by legal frameworks but also by the preparedness and organisational capacity of political parties. It added that deploying polling agents and maintaining a visible grassroots presence are basic requirements in any competitive democracy.
While affirming that electoral laws are subject to periodic review, the Lagos APC said any amendment must be guided by national interest, empirical evidence, and respect for democratic institutions rather than partisan considerations.
The party further stated that Nigeria’s democracy would benefit from a “vibrant and responsible opposition,” urging political actors to focus on strengthening internal party structures and presenting credible alternatives to voters.
Oladejo reiterated the APC’s commitment to democratic processes and called for issue-based engagement in the ongoing national conversation on electoral reforms.
