2027: APC Ridicules Opposition Over INEC Deadline Extension

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to extend the deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections was prompted by the inability of opposition parties to meet the original deadline.

According to Ireporter Online, the ruling party made the assertion in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, describing the extension as evidence that opposition parties are ill-prepared for the 2027 polls.

The APC stated that despite fielding a large number of candidates across various elective positions, it successfully completed the upload of all required candidate information before the initial July 11 deadline set by INEC.

Earlier on Sunday, INEC announced an extension of the deadline for political parties to upload the particulars of their candidates. The electoral commission explained that the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which sought additional time on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the nomination process within the stipulated period.

Reacting to the development, the APC acknowledged that INEC acted within its constitutional and statutory powers in granting the extension. However, the party argued that the request reflected the inability of opposition parties to effectively manage their internal nomination processes despite having fewer candidates to oversee.

The ruling party further maintained that political organisations struggling to complete internal administrative procedures on schedule cannot convince Nigerians that they possess the discipline, competence, or organisational strength required to govern the country.

The APC also accused opposition parties of hypocrisy, noting that many of them had previously alleged that the ruling party influenced INEC’s decisions, yet turned to the same electoral body for relief after failing to meet the submission deadline. It added that although the APC would have benefited if the original deadline had remained unchanged, it did not interfere with INEC’s decision because it had already complied with the commission’s requirements.

Highlighting its own performance, the party said it had successfully uploaded the particulars of all its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates through the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal, describing the achievement as a demonstration of its organisational discipline, leadership and commitment to due process.

The APC concluded by urging its members and supporters to shift their attention toward grassroots mobilisation, strengthening party structures nationwide and promoting the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.