Party says reform debates must be driven by national interest, not “bruised egos” after by-election defeats…
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised renewed calls by opposition figures for another amendment of the Electoral Act 2022, describing the move as an attempt to deflect from recent electoral setbacks.
In a statement issued on February 27, 2026, and signed by Lagos APC Spokesman Mogajia (Hon.) Seye Oladejo,the Lagos APC said it was “utterly disappointed” by what it described as media reports amplifying demands from certain opposition elements for fresh changes to the country’s electoral framework.
According to the party, the agitation is not rooted in genuine democratic reform but reflects what it called the “ineptitude, impotence and lack of seriousness” of opposition politicians. The APC argued that those pushing for amendments have consistently failed to organise themselves internally, articulate clear policy alternatives or build credible electoral platforms.
The party maintained that instead of presenting practical solutions to national challenges, the opposition has relied on press conferences, protests and public rhetoric. It accused its rivals of substituting “noise for ideas, agitation for solutions and propaganda for policy.”
The Lagos APC further stated that Nigeria’s democracy operates within a legal framework established by the National Assembly and implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and that political actors should engage constructively within that system rather than resort to what it termed “blame-shifting and theatrical outrage.”
Referencing the recently concluded by-elections, the party said the opposition had failed to draw lessons from what it described as “monumental losses.” It argued that any political party unable to deploy polling agents across all voting units — a fundamental organisational requirement — should not be questioning electoral outcomes.
“Expecting victory without structure, preparation or grassroots presence is not democratic activism; it is political fantasy,” the statement said.
The APC insisted that democracy is sustained not by protests or statements alone, but by vision, competence, organisation and the ability to earn voters’ trust. Until the opposition demonstrates these attributes, the party said, it would continue to struggle electorally.
While acknowledging that electoral reforms are an ongoing aspect of democratic development, the Lagos APC stressed that any review of the Electoral Act must be guided by national interest, empirical evidence and institutional respect — not by what it described as the “bruised egos of serial election losers.”
The party concluded by urging opposition groups to focus on rebuilding their structures and presenting credible alternatives to Nigerians rather than engaging in what it called “endless agitation.”
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