The All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that it crafted the Electoral Act to favour itself, stressing that the law was enacted by the National Assembly in line with its constitutional mandate.
Speaking on ARISE TV on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described opposition allegations as misguided and based on a poor understanding of the legislative process.
Morka maintained that the Electoral Act is a national law passed by a constitutionally recognised institution and not a partisan document of the ruling party. He noted that the APC, like other political parties, is equally bound by the provisions of the Act, including the mandatory electronic register requirements.
“The APC has no reason to intimidate anyone. The Electoral Act was promulgated by the National Assembly pursuant to its constitutional authority. The APC is not the National Assembly, and we are also subject to the same provisions,” he said.
He argued that attributing every action of the legislature to the ruling party ignores the fact that the National Assembly comprises elected representatives from multiple political parties. While acknowledging that the APC holds a majority, Morka said that does not automatically make every law an APC creation.
According to him, the opposition’s suggestion that the legal framework is skewed in favour of the APC is unfounded. He challenged critics to clearly identify any specific provision that confers undue advantage on the party.
Morka further emphasised that the Electoral Act was duly passed by the legislature and assented to by the President, making it binding on all political actors. He urged opposition parties to respect the authority of the National Assembly and accept the rules governing the electoral process.
Citing the ban on indirect primaries for certain elections, he said the APC has complied without protest, demonstrating its commitment to the rule of law.
“We respect the authority of the National Assembly. The APC did not create it, and the Constitution predates our party. Everyone must operate within the framework of the law,” Morka stated.