The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the conduct of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held across Nigeria, describing the exercise as chaotic, controversial, and a threat to democratic integrity.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Olushile Akinyemi, the NDC said the scenes witnessed during the APC primaries reflected “a shameful display of manipulation, confusion, open irregularities, and conduct unbecoming of any political party entrusted with the leadership of a democratic nation.”
The opposition party referenced viral videos and reports circulating on social media and various media platforms, alleging widespread disorder and irregularities during the primaries conducted in Lagos and other parts of the country.
According to the statement, the events have raised serious concerns about the state of internal democracy within the ruling party and the credibility of Nigeria’s broader electoral process ahead of the general elections.
“The Electoral Act clearly provides that party primaries must be conducted in a democratic and transparent manner under the monitoring of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the statement read.
The NDC further cited Section 84 of the Electoral Act, stressing that political parties are expected to conduct valid primaries under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party argued that if the APC, which controls the federal government, could not conduct credible internal elections, Nigerians would be justified in questioning the integrity of future general elections.
The statement also warned that alleged manipulation of party primaries could weaken public confidence in democracy and send the wrong message to young Nigerians about fairness, accountability, and due process.
The NDC called on Independent National Electoral Commission to release detailed reports on the conduct of the primaries nationwide and openly address any irregularities observed during the exercise.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to investigate allegations of electoral fraud, intimidation, violence, and misconduct linked to the primaries.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals, the NDC said it remains dedicated to “issue-based politics and credible democratic processes,” insisting that leadership must emerge through fairness, popular participation, and respect for the rule of law.
The party concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process ahead of the next general elections, while calling on citizens to support the NDC “as a clear statement for justice, accountability, democratic integrity, and national renewal.”