The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at opposition political parties over their failure 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 preparedness for governance.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said it successfully uploaded the particulars of its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the original deadline.

Although INEC later extended the submission deadline from July 11 to July 14, 2026, following requests from some opposition parties, the APC argued that the extension exposed the inability of its rivals to effectively manage their internal nomination processes.

The party maintained that despite fielding a larger number of candidates across the country, it completed the exercise within the stipulated timeframe, insisting that opposition parties, with fewer candidates, had no reason to seek additional time.

According to the APC, the delay raises questions about the administrative competence and leadership capacity of the opposition, especially as they seek to convince Nigerians they are ready to govern.

The ruling party also accused some opposition parties of inconsistency, noting that while they had previously questioned INEC’s neutrality, they did not hesitate to request and accept an extension from the same electoral body.

The APC said it chose not to challenge INEC’s decision, stressing that it respects the commission’s constitutional powers and administrative discretion.

As preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum, the party urged its members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation, strengthen party structures and continue promoting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.