APC Criticizes Opposition Over INEC Deadline Extension for 2027 Elections
The ruling All Progressives Congress has accused opposition parties of unpreparedness, citing INEC's extension of the deadline for uploading candidates' names ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized opposition parties over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to extend the deadline for uploading candidates’ names for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. The ruling party said the extension highlighted the organizational weaknesses of opposition groups.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC asserted that its own submission of candidate data was completed within the original timeframe, underscoring its readiness for the electoral process. It contrasted this with the opposition’s failure to meet the initial deadline, which INEC extended to accommodate outstanding uploads. According to the APC, this delay revealed a lack of preparedness among opposition parties and raised questions about their capacity to govern. "The circumstances that led to the extension exposed the organisational shortcomings of the opposition parties," the party said in remarks reported by Premium Times.
INEC, in exercising its statutory powers, granted the extension to ensure all eligible parties could participate fully in the nomination process. While the electoral body has not publicly assigned blame for the delays, the APC seized on the moment to reinforce its narrative of superior administrative competence. Vanguard News reported that the party framed the incident as evidence that opposition parties are ill-equipped to manage the complexities of governance.
The controversy underscores the growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC positioning itself as the more organized and efficient political force. The opposition has not yet issued a public response to the APC’s statements.