The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has sharply criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its rejection of the revised 2027 general election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued Sunday in Akure by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the APC described the new schedule as “realistic, structured, and fair,” insisting it reflects administrative foresight and institutional balance.
The coalition-backed ADC had earlier faulted the revised timetable, alleging it was crafted to favour President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi argued that new compliance deadlines particularly the requirement for political parties to submit comprehensive digital membership registers by April 2, 2026 — create near-impossible hurdles for opposition parties.
INEC had initially scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls set for March 6, 2027. However, concerns raised by Muslim stakeholders that the dates coincided with Ramadan prompted legislative adjustments.
Following amendments to the Electoral Act reducing the notice period from 360 to 300 days, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced a revised timetable shifting the presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly polls to February 6, 2027.
APC Defends Digital Register Rule
Responding to ADC’s objections, the APC lauded INEC’s digital membership register requirement, describing it as a progressive reform aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing internal party disputes.
“The requirement for digital membership registers strengthens institutional discipline and deepens internal democracy. Properly structured political organisations should not struggle to maintain updated databases,” the party stated.
It added that the timelines were released well in advance, providing sufficient time for compliance by serious political parties.
The APC dismissed allegations that the timetable was designed to favour the ruling party, calling the claims speculative and unsupported by evidence.
“INEC operates within clearly defined constitutional parameters. Its scheduling decisions are administrative and legal determinations — not partisan instruments,” the statement read.
The party further argued that President Tinubu would not require institutional manipulation to secure re-election, maintaining that governance performance would ultimately determine voter choice.
Highlighting ongoing reforms in the financial system, energy sector and infrastructure development, the APC said policy continuity beyond 2027 would consolidate fiscal discipline and economic restructuring efforts.
“Elections are determined by performance credibility, not conspiracy narratives. A second term will guarantee stability and deepen structural corrections,” the party said.
The APC urged all political parties to respect INEC’s constitutional independence, comply with electoral regulations, and focus on presenting policy alternatives rather than spreading what it described as unfounded allegations.
It expressed confidence that a transparent electoral process and governance record would favour the party in Ondo State and nationwide in 2027.