Amanze Chinonye
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the failure of opposition political parties to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections underscores what it described as their lack of preparedness and organisational capacity, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026 the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the APC successfully uploaded the particulars of all its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates to INEC’s Candidate Nomination Portal before the original July 11 deadline.
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According to the APC, although INEC subsequently extended the deadline to July 14 following requests from opposition parties, the development exposed what it described as the inability of rival parties to effectively manage their internal nomination processes despite fielding fewer candidates than the ruling party.
The APC stated that while INEC acted within its statutory powers and administrative discretion in granting the extension, the circumstances surrounding the decision raised questions about the operational readiness of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling party argued that political parties unable to conclude their candidate nomination processes within the stipulated timeframe would struggle to convince Nigerians of their competence to govern the country or its subnational governments.
The APC also accused opposition parties of hypocrisy, noting that some had previously alleged that the ruling party influenced INEC’s decisions but later sought and obtained an extension from the same electoral commission after failing to meet the submission deadline.
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According to the party, its timely completion of the candidate submission process demonstrates its organisational discipline, commitment to due process and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The APC further urged its leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to shift their focus to the next phase of the electoral process by strengthening party structures across the country, deepening grassroots mobilisation and highlighting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as preparations intensify for an issue-based campaign.
INEC recently extended the deadline for political parties to upload the particulars of their candidates to July 14 after receiving requests from parties that were unable to complete the process before the initial July 11 deadline.
The extension provides affected parties with additional time to finalise their submissions as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
