- APC’s Felix Morka insisted the Electoral Act is a national law, created by the National Assembly, not a partisan instrument
- He dismissed opposition claims that the Act favours the ruling party, noting APC is equally bound by its provisions
- Morka reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law and compliance with the Constitution
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged opposition parties to stop attributing the provisions of the Electoral Act to the ruling party, insisting that the law is a national instrument created by a constitutionally recognised body, not a partisan tool.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described opposition claims as “flawed” and emphasised that the legislative process is distinct from party politics. He argued that all political actors, including the APC, are equally bound by the provisions of the Act.
“The APC has no reason to intimidate anyone. The Electoral Act was promulgated by the National Assembly pursuant to its constitutional authority; the APC isn’t the National Assembly. We’re also affected by the Act’s mandatory e-register for parties. I don’t know where the opposition thinks we have an advantage or are skewing the process in our favour,” Morka said.
His remarks came in response to complaints from opposition figures who have expressed concerns that the APC’s legislative majority may have resulted in a legal framework tilted against them. The spokesman, however, dismissed these allegations, noting that the party neither coerces nor intimidates political opponents.
Morka further explained that the National Assembly is composed of representatives from multiple parties and reflects the nation’s political diversity. To claim that its output is solely the product of the APC, he argued, is both inaccurate and unfair.
“The National Assembly is an agglomeration of all elected representatives of the people across political parties. Yes, we are in the majority, no doubt, but that does not mean that the Act of the National Assembly must then necessarily be ascribed or become ascribable to the APC. That would be a flaw, which is unfair and actually even nonsensical,” he stated.
He also challenged opposition parties to specify where they perceive any advantage, stressing that the APC is equally constrained by the Act, including provisions that may limit certain electoral options. Morka cited the party’s acceptance of the ban on indirect primaries as evidence of its commitment to the rule of law.
“We are not doing that. The Electoral Act, for instance, has proscribed the indirect primary system for the election of those who govern. We are not protesting because we respect the authority of the National Assembly. Everybody else should do the same. The Constitution predates the APC,” he concluded.
By defending the legislative process, the APC reiterated that the Electoral Act is a national law to be respected by all parties and reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to the rules established by the country’s constitutionally mandated institutions.