INEC Portal: APC mocks opposition over deadline extension for uploading candidates’ names

Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticized opposition parties following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to extend the deadline for uploading candidates' names for the 2027 elections. The APC described the extension as a clear sign of the opposition's "chronic weakness" and lack of governing capacity.

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This development provides yet another clear indication of the opposition’s chronic inherent weakness and raises legitimate questions about their operational capacity.

INEC had initially set July 11 as the deadline for parties to submit the names and personal details of their candidates. However, the electoral body extended this to July 14, 2026, after receiving appeals from political parties through the Inter-Party Advisory Council, citing their inability to meet the original timeline.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka stated that while INEC acted within its powers, the circumstances surrounding the extension exposed the organizational shortcomings of opposition parties. He highlighted that the APC successfully uploaded all its numerous candidates' particulars before the initial deadline, contrasting this with opposition parties who, despite having fewer candidates, failed to comply. "Political parties that cannot efficiently conclude their own internal nomination processes cannot possibly be trusted by Nigerians to possess the competence, discipline, or readiness to govern our great nation," Morka asserted.

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Political parties that cannot efficiently conclude their own internal nomination processes cannot possibly be trusted by Nigerians to possess the competence, discipline, or readiness to govern our great nation or its subnational governments.

The APC also accused the opposition of hypocrisy, noting that those who previously alleged APC's control over INEC were now seeking relief from the same commission after missing a deadline. "It is starkly ironic that the same opposition parties have repeatedly peddled false, malicious and unfounded tales that the APC controls and dictates INEC’s decisions," Morka added, "Yet, as they failed to meet the submission deadline."

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It is starkly ironic that the same opposition parties have repeatedly peddled false, malicious and unfounded tales that the APC controls and dictates INEC’s decisions.