The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the party’s lack of viability and electoral relevance. National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, made the appeal during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, emphasizing that ballot papers should not be cluttered with nonviable political parties. He stressed that the APC, as a legally registered party, has a duty to uphold electoral standards and ensure compliance with Nigerian law.
Basiru stated that Nigeria currently has about 19 registered political parties, but not all are active or credible in the electoral process. He argued that parties failing to meet basic thresholds of electoral participation and public engagement should be removed from the electoral roll. “We’re calling on INEC to deregister the ADC. We don’t want the ballot papers to be clustered with unviable political parties,” he said, underscoring the need for electoral integrity and efficiency.
The APC official pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution is clear on the powers and responsibilities of electoral bodies, and INEC must exercise its authority to deregister parties that no longer meet legal or operational requirements. He added that the APC is not responsible for drafting the Constitution, but as a registered party, it must advocate for adherence to its provisions. “The APC is not the one that wrote the Nigerian constitution. Nigerian constitution is very clear,” Basiru noted.
He further criticized the ADC, describing it as a party that generates more noise than action, particularly within the so-called “coalition of confusion.” Basiru expressed confidence that legal processes are already underway, with court cases addressing the ADC’s status, and urged INEC to act decisively. “It has been shown that more of noise than action by this so-called ‘I’m political party’,” he remarked, highlighting the party’s minimal impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Basiru maintained that the APC remains focused on its mandate and is unbothered by opposition claims of a one-party state. He reiterated that Nigeria’s multi-party system is intact, but it must be maintained with parties that contribute meaningfully to democracy. The call for ADC’s deregistration is part of a broader push for electoral reform and cleaner political competition in the lead-up to 2027.
As Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, the APC’s demand for INEC to act on the ADC underscores growing scrutiny over party viability and electoral transparency. The outcome of this request could influence how political parties are evaluated and regulated in the years ahead.
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