By Opeyemi Adelakun
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at opposition parties over their failure to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for submitting candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, saying the lapse exposes weaknesses in their internal structures.
The ruling party also argued that the development raises doubts about the opposition’s preparedness to govern if entrusted with power.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said it successfully uploaded details of its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the original July 11 deadline, despite presenting a far larger number of candidates than rival parties.
Morka noted that INEC later shifted the deadline to July 14 following requests from opposition parties that were unable to complete their nomination processes on schedule.
He acknowledged that the electoral commission acted within its legal powers in granting the extension but maintained that the situation reflected poor organisation on the part of the affected parties.
According to him, opposition parties had fewer candidates to process than the APC, making their inability to beat the deadline even more difficult to justify.
The APC spokesman described the delay as evidence of what he called the opposition’s “chronic inherent weakness,” insisting that political parties unable to manage their own affairs cannot convince Nigerians they possess the discipline and competence required to administer the country.
He further accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy, recalling that many of the same parties have repeatedly alleged that the APC exerts undue influence over INEC.
Morka said it was ironic that those parties turned to the electoral umpire for relief after failing to comply with its timetable.
He argued that the ruling party stood to benefit if INEC had refused to extend the deadline but chose not to interfere because it had already fulfilled all requirements.
According to him, the extension granted by INEC further disproves allegations that the commission operates under the control of the APC.
Morka added that the APC’s timely submission of candidates demonstrated its organisational strength, internal discipline and commitment to due process.
He urged party leaders, members and supporters to shift focus to preparations for the 2027 elections by consolidating party structures, expanding grassroots mobilisation and promoting the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the party intends to prosecute an issue-based campaign aimed at securing another electoral victory in the 2027 general elections.
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