APC National Chairman Blames Politicians for Election Violence, Not INEC

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has attributed the violence affecting the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria to politicians rather than the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ganduje made this assertion during a visit by INEC’s election and party monitoring team to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The visit was part of the mandatory annual verification of political parties conducted by INEC.

Assuring INEC of the APC’s commitment to active participation beyond election periods, Ganduje stated, “We are developing what we call the National Institute for Progressive Studies in order to teach our members the basics of democracy so that the issue of hate speech will be eliminated.”

He emphasized the party’s readiness to cooperate with INEC, stating, “APC was ready to provide the needed information because the party was strong.”

Addressing the issue of election security, Ganduje pointed out that while many attribute electoral insecurity to INEC, the primary responsibility lies with politicians.

He said, “I know one of the biggest problems of INEC in conducting elections is insecurity.

Everyone will say INEC, but it is the politicians.”

Ganduje also disclosed that he had instructed all APC offices across the country to be fully functional, emphasizing the party’s preparedness for active engagement throughout the year, not just during elections.

The statement by the APC National Chairman reflects the party’s stance on the need for politicians to take responsibility for election-related violence, highlighting their commitment to promoting democratic values and cooperation with INEC.