INEC, APC working to truncate coalition’s registration — PDP Chieftain

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ibrahim Kalgo, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of colluding with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to frustrate coalition’s registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalgo made this allegation while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Friday,

The PDP further claimed that INEC’s refusal to register over 70 applications for new political parties reflects a systemic bias and fear of the emerging coalition challenging the status quo.

He maintained that rather than serving as an impartial electoral umpire, the electoral body was now operating hand in hand with the ruling government, questioning INEC’s refusal to acknowledge the coalition’s party registration requests.

“I think INEC is being biased and also afraid because the coalition is here to defeat APC come 2027 election. What we are saying is that it is like INEC is working hand in hand with the APC government.

“These are political parties or groups trying to form a party and give its platform for Nigerians to vote for a new face and a new choice of their own choice.

“Are you saying all the 70 applicants have filed wrong applications or not come with complete requirements for them to be created as a new party,” he asked.

While citing the electoral guidelines, Kalgo noted that by law, if INEC responds to a new party application within 90 days, the party should be deemed registered, expressing concerns over what he described as APC’s fear of a united opposition.