Dare Assures: APC Won’t Be the Only Party on 2027 Ballot

Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, has clarified that there is no plan to have only the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 2027 election ballot.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports made this statement during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today. His comments came in response to the Wednesday protest by the African Democratic Party (ADC) against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) suspension of recognition for certain ADC leadership factions. INEC’s decision followed a March Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing internal disputes within the party, including the faction led by Sen. David Mark.
The ADC described the move as an attempt to block them from participating in the 2027 elections.
Dare emphasized that Nigeria currently has 20 political parties and that none are being prevented from operating. “All Progressives Congress (APC) will not close shop because other political parties are enmeshed in one crisis or the other,” he said.
He accused ADC leaders and other political opponents of trying to exploit emotions rather than focusing on building strong parties capable of challenging APC.
Dare rejected suggestions that the APC-led federal government is shutting down political competition. He stated that freedom of the opposition is fully recognized, pointing out that ADC leaders are able to protest freely as evidence of this protection.
“The federal government will always safeguard the rights of the people to carry out their activities. Journalists work freely and regularly criticize the President without interference. Is it the President’s duty to organize the opposition?” he asked.
He further explained that building a strong political party is a long and difficult process, citing APC’s own experience. According to Dare, the ADC’s internal crisis is self-inflicted. “Instead of strengthening their party, they are seeking shortcuts. Building a strong political force requires sacrifice and hard work. If you cannot do that, don’t blame someone else for the failure,” he said.