Electoral Reform: What is APC Afraid Of?
The article discusses the surge of politicians joining Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and questions the party's reluctance to support key electoral reforms for transparent elections.
The article examines the recent trend of state governors and legislators flocking to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, attributing this movement to the party's popularity and the influence of President Bola Tinubu. As of mid-February 2026, the APC controls 29 out of 36 state governors, and this consolidation of power is seen by supporters as a guarantee of Tinubu's success in the upcoming 2027 elections. Many view this mass defection as a clear endorsement of the APC's political strategy.
However, the article contrasts this political dominance with the APC's resistance to implementing a crucial electoral reform that advocates for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units. This reform is widely perceived as essential to ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria. The reluctance of the APC to support this initiative raises questions about their commitment to electoral integrity, particularly when there is a strong public demand for increased transparency in the electoral process.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of the APC's political ascendancy and its hesitance to support electoral reforms suggests a deeper apprehension within the party about exposing its electoral processes to scrutiny. This raises concerns about the implications for democracy in Nigeria, as the avoidance of reforms could perpetuate a cycle of mistrust in the electoral process and hinder genuine democratic practices in future elections.