2027: APC Secretary Claims Opposition Parties Are Unprepared for Elections

Dr. Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has made a statement regarding the complaints of opposition parties about party membership registration, characterizing them as evidence of a lack of dedication to participating in the 2027 general elections.

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Recall that some opposition parties have criticized the 21-day period allotted to political parties for submitting their members' register, labeling it as undemocratic and an attempt to restrict democratic space.

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At the launch of the distribution of identity cards to members of the Alubarika Movement, held at its headquarters in Osogbo, Basiru expressed his views on the matter, describing the criticism from opposition parties as a sign of their unseriousness in managing party affairs.

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According to Basiru, a serious political party intent on contesting elections does not require guidance from an electoral authority to take the necessary steps towards seeking power.

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Basiru stated, "The rule about registration is very clear, and the existing law, even prior to the Electoral Act amendment, requires that all data be linked with the NIN.

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He explained that when the APC initiated its digital registration process, it was ensured that the registration was linked with the NIN, and upon closing the registration, approximately 12 million Nigerians had been registered, all of whom were linked with the NIN.

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Basiru found it surprising that any political party would complain about not having a register of members or that the registration time was too short, given that the old law required the register of members to be submitted 30 days in advance.

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The Electoral Act has now reduced the submission time from 30 days to 21 days, making the opposition parties' complaints seem unusual, according to Basiru.

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Basiru suggested that if the opposition parties are not prepared to contest the election, they should consider boycotting it rather than making unfounded accusations against established institutions.

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Regarding party primaries ahead of the general elections, the former Senator advised that the APC should provide a level playing field for all contestants to enable the selection of the most popular candidates who can win elections for the party.

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Basiru emphasized the importance of creating a fair and free contest at the primary level, allowing the most popular candidates to emerge and win polls for the party, as he noted that the party has grown in size and requires a more inclusive approach.