The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that a mass exodus is looming in the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent court verdict that voided the timelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries and candidate nominations.
Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the ADC, said the ruling vindicates the party’s objections to INEC’s guidelines, which it had long argued placed unfair restrictions on political parties. According to Abdullahi, the strict deadlines imposed by the electoral body created confusion and resentment within the APC, leaving many members feeling sidelined during the nomination process.
“The judgment has confirmed what we have always maintained, that INEC overreached its powers by imposing restrictive deadlines inconsistent with the Electoral Act,” Abdullahi said. He added that the ruling would embolden aggrieved APC members who felt excluded, potentially triggering defections to other parties.
Analysts believe the verdict could reshape Nigeria’s pre-election landscape. For the APC, already grappling with internal divisions, the ruling may intensify tensions and open the door for opposition parties to attract dissatisfied members. The ADC has positioned itself as one of the beneficiaries of such defections, presenting itself as a more inclusive platform for politicians frustrated by the APC’s internal processes.
The ruling also raises broader questions about INEC’s role in regulating party activities. While the commission is tasked with ensuring order and compliance, critics argue that its guidelines often go beyond the provisions of the Electoral Act, creating unnecessary friction. The court’s decision is expected to force INEC to issue a revised timetable that aligns more closely with the law, giving parties greater flexibility in conducting primaries and nominating candidates.
Political observers say the development could have ripple effects across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Smaller parties may now find it easier to organize primaries without the pressure of rigid deadlines, while larger parties like the APC and PDP will need to recalibrate their strategies. For the APC, the immediate concern is whether disgruntled members will remain loyal or defect to rival platforms, a scenario that could weaken its dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
