Responding to concerns about the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, no design to have just APC on the ballot, a senior aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Friday.
The aide emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral framework remains open and competitive, with multiple political parties expected to participate in the polls.
The comment comes amid heightened debate about political alignments and party participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) occupies the presidency and holds significant representation in the National Assembly, prompting public interest in the inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Political stakeholders have previously expressed divergent views on party participation, coalition dynamics, and the strength of opposition parties.
Against this backdrop, Tinubu’s aide addressed speculation that the ruling party might seek to limit competition by dominating the ballot.
The statement affirming that no design to have just APC on the ballot was made by Bayo Onanuga, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.
Onanuga said that Nigeria’s democratic system provides for multi‑party engagement and that the ruling party respects constitutional provisions governing elections.
He stated: “There is no design to have just APC on the ballot,” noting that the president and his team are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a competitive political environment.
Onanuga reiterated that the government has “no intention to deny any political party the opportunity to participate in the 2027 general elections,” explaining that Nigeria’s electoral laws and independent institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), regulate party participation.
According to Onanuga, the APC will continue to engage with various stakeholders as part of its democratic interactions but that the broader political landscape remains open to all registered political parties.
The aide’s remarks were delivered in Abuja during a media engagement where journalists raised questions about party dynamics, political pluralism, and the role of government in elections.
He emphasised that INEC retains statutory authority over the conduct of elections, including the accreditation of parties and candidates, and that the administration respects institutional autonomy.
Onanuga’s statement reiterated that Nigeria’s democratic framework enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of association and political participation for all eligible political parties and candidates.
The insistence that no design to have just APC on the ballot underscores the government’s position on maintaining an inclusive electoral process.
The statement may help allay concerns among political actors and civil society about the perception of imbalanced access to electoral participation.
By reaffirming support for institutional processes and multi‑party competition, the aide’s comments align with constitutional provisions and the mandate of INEC to oversee free and fair elections.
