The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will refrain from making premature conclusions over the disruption of a political gathering organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ikeja, amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while responding to allegations surrounding the incident and claims that APC members were responsible for the disruption.
Oladejo said the APC would not speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident, insisting that the party remained committed to law and order.
He nevertheless warned against overlooking what he described as recent threats by opposition political groups to create disorder in Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic process must be protected from violence, intimidation and activities capable of threatening public peace.
APC calls for restraint as political tension grows
The party spokesman maintained that political disagreements should be handled through established democratic channels rather than confrontation.
He urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect the law and ensure that political campaigns do not become opportunities for violence.
Oladejo also called on security agencies to remain alert and take appropriate measures to prevent incidents capable of disrupting public order.
He said the APC would continue to pursue its political objectives through issue-based campaigns, persuasion, grassroots mobilisation and electoral participation.
APC denies involvement in Ikeja incident
The latest comments follow an earlier statement issued by the Lagos APC on Thursday, in which the party rejected allegations that it sponsored the disruption of the NDC gathering.
The party described the accusations as unfounded, maintaining that it neither organised nor encouraged any action intended to prevent opposition politicians from exercising their constitutional rights.
In its defence, the APC pointed to its official 2027 election campaign flag-off in Epe, which took place on the same day as the reported incident in Ikeja.
According to the party, its leaders, elected representatives, executives, campaign officials and other stakeholders were occupied with the Epe programme, several kilometres away from the location of the disruption.
The APC also called on the Lagos State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate allegations of threats and violence and prosecute anyone found responsible.
It further challenged the NDC to submit any credible evidence linking individuals or groups to the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Security agencies urged to investigate
Oladejo reiterated that political competition should not undermine democratic institutions or the rights of political parties to organise lawful activities.
He said the APC would remain focused on its political mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 general elections, insisting that political differences must be settled through peaceful and constitutional means.
The incident has added to political tensions in Lagos as parties intensify their activities ahead of the next general election.
However, responsibility for the disruption remains a matter requiring investigation, and the allegations against the APC should not be treated as established facts without independent evidence.
