…APC accuses Atiku of dponsoring frunge political parties
Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirms receiving 91 applications for new political party registrations.
This development comes amid growing opposition efforts to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to report by The Punch, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the surge in applications, viewing it as evidence of opposition disunity.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor argued, “You don’t need 500 political parties…just one formidable opposition to defeat APC.” However, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) sees the development differently, interpreting it as public rejection of the APC’s governance.
In a sharp response, the APC accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of sponsoring fringe political groups. APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed the efforts, stating, “Atiku is a serial loser…these moves won’t threaten APC’s dominance.”
INEC officials maintain they are processing all applications fairly. Director of Voter Education Victoria Eta-Messi confirmed, “No application was rejected,” addressing allegations that the commission was obstructing new party registrations.
The political maneuvering follows last month’s announcement of a coalition between Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Meanwhile, the APC has accused Atiku of backing the move but dismissed its impact, confident of 2027 victory. Opposition groups alleged INEC was blocking new party registrations, and Salihu Lukman, an APC scribe, warned underperforming parties risked deregistration.
In his statement, Lukman emphasised that, “The question of negotiating the political party is the most difficult challenge. This is an area that many members of the coalitions have been engaging in different ways for more than a year now.
“Perhaps, it is important to highlight that there are many groups, including some members of the coalition, who have filed applications to register political parties. For reasons best known to INEC, these applications are being frustrated.
“The only conclusion that can be reached in the circumstance is that INEC has decided that it will not register new parties.
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