Abba Dukawa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces scrutiny for its inaction on the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s early campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC’s constitutional mandate includes monitoring political parties’ activities and ensuring compliance with electoral laws.
However, its silence on APC’s premature campaigning activities raises concerns about fairness and enforcement.
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The Electoral Act 2022 stipulates campaign periods, limiting them to 90 days and ending 24 hours before polling day (Section 99).
With two years to go before the general elections, the display of President Tinubu’s posters and billboards in Abuja and across the country suggests an early start to the campaign season, potentially undermining the Electoral Act.
INEC’s inaction raises concerns about its ability to ensure a level playing field for all parties.
The ruling party’s early campaign activities may be perceived as an abuse of power, potentially undermining the electoral process.
INEC should investigate the APC’s activities and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.
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Providing clear guidelines and timelines for campaign activities would promote transparency and fairness.
Nigerians await INEC’s response to these concerns, questioning whether the commission will ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
Let’s not forget that the recent upheaval at the Northeast APC stakeholders meeting in Gombe, which descended into chaos, highlights the need for caution and strict adherence to the Electoral Act if the party hopes to maintain stability.
At this critical moment, party secretariats are hotbeds of intrigue. The new acting National Chairman Bukar Dalori must prioritise unity and leadership, ensuring the party doesn’t further fracture due to diverse views on endorsement.
Even though the new acting National Chairman has demonstrated his diplomatic and grassroots political acumen, particularly in his ability to calm the upheaval at the Northeast meeting after chaos erupted.
The APC National Working Committee, , should refrain from prematurely activities on anybody’s re-election bid, especially with over 900 days to the 2027 elections.
Instead, they should prioritise the party’s and nation’s interests by addressing pressing issues and ensuring good governance.
The recent exit of the former interim national chairman from the ruling party headquarters serves as a reminder for Dalori: to avoid overstepping boundaries to appease others can be counterproductive.
Approaching responsibilities challenges with knowledge, wisdom, and balance is essential to avoid unnecessary problems and maintain stability in the party till the December National Convention.
As the adage goes, “there are no permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests.” If President Tinubu can turn against the former interim national chairman, no one is immune to facing similar consequences.
Ironically, Ganduje was one of the few who boldly supported Tinubu’s candidacy when many others hesitated due to uncertainty about the former president’s stance.
Now, it seems the tables have turned, and Ganduje finds himself navigating treacherous political waters.
It’s highly insensitive for others to orchestrate his ousting from the party headquarters, especially since it appears President Tinubu traded him for someone amid reports of the latter’s planned defection to the APC.
Dukawa can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.