The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently holds governorships in 31 of Nigeria's 36 states, a dominance it has celebrated in recent weeks as a sign of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, opposition parties are regrouping, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing the ruling party of exploiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to destabilise opposition movements. The ADC claims the APC is manipulating electoral structures to weaken challengers and consolidate power. In response, the APC dismissed the allegations, branding the ADC and other opposition groups as "an assembly of confused, desperate politicians" with no coherent agenda. The war of words marks a renewed political intensity as parties begin positioning for the next election cycle. While the APC touts its wide reach across regions and state houses, the ADC is attempting to capitalise on growing dissatisfaction in some strongholds. Neither party has unveiled a comprehensive policy roadmap for 2027, focusing instead on narrative control and institutional positioning. INEC has not commented on the allegations of bias or manipulation. Political observers note that the coming months may see more legal and public relations battles over electoral guidelines, party registrations, and candidate screenings.
When the APC boasts of 31 governors while calling opponents "confused and desperate", it reveals more than confidence—it signals a ruling party that sees political dominance as entitlement rather than mandate. The ADC's claim of INEC being weaponised gains weight not from rhetoric but from precedent, given past electoral controversies. If the path to 2027 is narrowed through institutions meant to be neutral, the outcome may be less about votes and more about access to machinery. That doesn't strengthen democracy—it hollows it out.
