By SUNTV Global Channel
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition political parties for failing to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections, describing the development as a sign of poor organisation and lack of readiness to govern.
In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said it successfully uploaded the names of all its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before INEC’s original deadline of July 11, 2026.
According to the APC, INEC later extended the deadline to July 14, 2026, following requests from some opposition parties that were unable to complete their candidate nomination process before the initial deadline.
The party stated that while the electoral commission acted within its legal powers in granting the extension, the development exposed what it described as the opposition’s inability to effectively manage its internal affairs.
The APC argued that political parties unable to conclude their own nomination processes on time should not expect Nigerians to trust them with the responsibility of governing the country.
The ruling party also accused some opposition parties of hypocrisy, noting that they had previously alleged that the APC influenced INEC’s decisions but later sought and benefited from the commission’s extension of the submission deadline.
According to the APC, despite having completed its own submissions ahead of schedule, it did not object to INEC’s decision to grant additional time to other political parties.
The party further stated that it had successfully uploaded the particulars of all its candidates through INEC’s Candidate Nomination Portal, describing the exercise as proof of its organisational strength and commitment to due process.
The APC urged its leaders, members and supporters to focus on grassroots mobilisation aaand preparations for what it described as an issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC had earlier extended the deadline for political parties to upload the names of their candidates from July 11 to July 14, 2026, following appeals from some parties seeking more time to conclude their nomination processes. The extension has since generated political debate between the ruling APC and opposition parties as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
