A shocking accusation has been leveled against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Kalgo. According to Kalgo, INEC is colluding with the APC to frustrate the registration of a coalition of new political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme, Kalgo claimed that INEC’s refusal to register over 70 applications for new political parties is a clear indication of systemic bias and fear of the emerging coalition. He believes that the electoral body is no longer serving as an impartial umpire, but rather operating in tandem with the ruling government to undermine the opposition.

Kalgo’s concerns are rooted in the fact that INEC has failed to respond to the registration requests within the stipulated 90-day timeframe, as outlined in the electoral guidelines. By law, if INEC fails to respond within this period, the party should be deemed registered. However, the commission’s inaction has raised suspicions about its intentions and its relationship with the APC.

The PDP chieftain questioned the legitimacy of INEC’s actions, asking if all 70 applicants had filed incorrect applications or failed to meet the necessary requirements. He emphasized that these parties are simply trying to provide Nigerians with a new choice and a fresh face, and that their registration should not be hindered by the electoral body.

At the heart of this controversy is the fear of a united opposition, which Kalgo believes is driving the APC’s efforts to truncate the coalition’s registration. With the 2027 elections looming, the stakes are high, and the opposition is eager to present a united front against the ruling party. However, if INEC continues to frustrate their efforts, it may undermine the credibility of the electoral process and the democratic system as a whole.

As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are watching with bated breath, eager to see how INEC will respond to these allegations and whether the coalition will be able to overcome the hurdles placed in their path. One thing is certain, however: the integrity of the electoral process and the future of Nigeria’s democracy hang in the balance.