The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition political parties over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to extend the deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, describing the move as evidence of the opposition’s “chronic weakness” and lack of capacity to govern.
The party said opposition parties failed to complete their internal nomination processes before the original 11 July deadline despite having fewer candidates than the APC.
INEC had on Saturday extended the deadline for political parties to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates from 11 July to 14 July 2026.
Explaining the decision, the electoral commission said the extension followed a request by political parties.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” INEC said in a statement.
