The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations that it sponsored the disruption of a political gathering organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ikeja.
The party described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that it neither sponsored nor participated in any action aimed at preventing opposition parties from exercising their constitutional rights.
In a statement on Thursday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said those making the allegations had failed to provide credible evidence linking the ruling party to the incident.
Oladejo also questioned the accusation, noting that the alleged disruption occurred on the same day the APC officially launched its 2027 presidential campaign in Epe, several kilometres away from Ikeja.
According to him, the party’s political leaders, elected representatives, executives and campaign officials were fully engaged in the Epe event, making claims of its involvement in the Ikeja incident difficult to substantiate.
He said the APC had no reason to resort to violence, intimidation or thuggery, stressing that the party believed in political persuasion, issue-based campaigns, grassroots mobilisation and the ballot box.
The spokesman challenged the NDC to submit any credible evidence it might have to security agencies rather than resort to public accusations and social media insinuations.
He said, “If the NDC has credible evidence linking any individual or group to the incident, the appropriate course is to present such evidence to the relevant security agencies and allow the law to take its course.”
Oladejo also expressed concern over what he described as increasingly aggressive rhetoric from opposition political elements, warning against actions capable of creating tension and threatening public peace.
He, however, reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and democratic competition, insisting that the party would not be intimidated by threats or provocations.
The APC called on the Lagos State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, investigate the incident and take proactive measures against threats to public safety.
It also urged security agencies to ensure that no individual or political organisation was allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state.
“Political ambition is not a licence for lawlessness. Opposition politics must not become an excuse for the normalisation of intimidation, disorder and the subversion of democratic institutions,” Oladejo said.
The party urged the NDC to stop looking for scapegoats and take responsibility for its political environment, adding that it remained focused on governance, development and delivering democratic dividends to Lagos residents.