APC Not Behind INEC, No Plan to Stifle Opposition – Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken opposition parties, insisting that the electoral body remains independent.

Speaking with members of the Senate Press Corps in Abuja on Monday during his birthday interaction, Kalu described the claims as “frivolous” and urged political actors to take Nigeria’s democratic institutions more seriously.

“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body, and we have a lot of respect for its leadership,” he said.

He emphasized that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not pressured or coerced politicians to defect to the ruling party, maintaining that decisions to join the APC are voluntary.

“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party and join APC. If anyone decides to join us, that is their personal decision. Nobody is forced,” Kalu stated.

The former Abia State governor added that political alignments are often the result of negotiations rather than compulsion, noting that individuals are free to accept or reject terms offered by any party.
“It is about negotiation. If the terms are good, you come; if not, you go your way,” he said.

Kalu also cautioned against undermining key democratic institutions, warning that persistent allegations without evidence could erode public trust in the electoral process.

His comments come amid growing concerns from opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over what they describe as attempts by the ruling party to dominate the political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.