The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected suggestions that it is panicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it is the opposition that is unsettled over the ongoing automatic real-time electronic transmission of election results debate in the National Assembly.
Speaking after the inauguration of the APC National Assembly Legislative Aides Support Group (ANALAG), Director-General of the APC Support Group Council, Sadiq Jikta, said the party is confident and prepared for any outcome.
“No, APC is not panicking. It is the opposition that are panicking because they feel APC, being the party in power, will muzzle power with them,” Jikta told journalists.
He added that the party’s priority remains grassroots mobilisation, noting that the National Assembly has the autonomy to decide on electronic transmission procedures. “We believe in whatever position the National Assembly comes up with. The most important thing is the grassroots, and that is where we are concentrating,” he said.
Jikta also revealed that the support group is advocating for representation in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party ahead of the national convention. He expressed optimism that the ongoing constitutional review will officially recognise support groups, describing them as the backbone of the APC.
National Coordinator Ms. Ayoola Fakunle highlighted the unprecedented nature of legislative aides coming together to support their principals’ re-election. She stressed the group’s role in ensuring effective backing for senators and other lawmakers, linking it to the party’s broader electoral strategy.
The remarks come after a coalition of civil society organisations urged the National Assembly conference committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, mandating electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 polls.
While the Senate held an emergency plenary, it refused to mandate real-time e-transmission, leaving the decision to the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—a move that has sparked debate among political actors.
