Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has shifted blame for election irregularities away from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asserting that politicians are primarily responsible for challenges encountered during elections. Ganduje made these remarks during a visit by INEC officials to the APC headquarters in Abuja as part of the commission’s mandatory consultations with political parties.
While addressing the officials, Ganduje highlighted the importance of cooperation between politicians and the electoral umpire to address challenges in the election process. He emphasized that improved collaboration could significantly reduce or eliminate bottlenecks in elections.
Ganduje assured INEC of the APC’s readiness to provide any information required for the commission’s mandate, which includes the submission of audited accounts and opening of party books. He acknowledged the historic nature of the relationship between political parties, particularly the ruling APC, and INEC, emphasizing the significance of satisfaction in the collaboration for effective planning and records.
“Our party is a strong party. We are ready to provide all the information required,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the commitment of the new administration to raise the bar.
Ganduje also revealed initiatives by the APC to strengthen the party throughout the year, not just during elections. This includes making party offices, from the ward to the national level, active and functional. Additionally, the APC is moving towards becoming an ICT-driven party, implementing e-registration of members to enhance collaboration with INEC and improve democratic principles.
The APC chairman shared plans to develop a National Institute for Progressive Studies, aimed at educating party members on the basics of democracy to eliminate issues like hate speech. He acknowledged that insecurity poses a challenge during elections but placed the blame on politicians rather than INEC.
The INEC team, led by Hajiya Hawa Habibu, Director of Election and Party Monitoring, explained that their visit was part of the annual verification of political parties. The commission’s mandate involves ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions by political parties, including the structure, auditing of finances, and other related issues.
The verification, the last of its kind carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, aims to assess political parties’ compliance with electoral regulations. INEC will issue notices to parties found not in compliance with constitutional provisions.
