APC’s Elections Complaint Board Warns Members Against Bypassing Internal Dispute Resolution Channel

The Independent Elections Complaint Board (IECB) of the All People’s Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to party members about bypassing the party’s internal dispute resolution procedures in handling election-related complaints.

The Board emphasized that all grievances must be channeled through the proper internal mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the party’s electoral process.

In a public notice released on December 17, 2025, the IECB addressed recent instances where internal matters were escalated outside the party’s internal structures, undermining the APC’s ability to manage its own electoral procedures.

While some of these issues were not directly related to elections, the Board expressed concern over the potential negative impact on the party’s democratic framework and credibility.

“The IECB wishes to inform all members that election-related complaints must be addressed internally through the party’s established structures,” the statement read. “This is critical to maintaining the integrity of the process and upholding the credibility of our elections.”

The Board referred to Article 43 of the APC Constitution, which mandates that the IECB resolve disputes arising from internal elections. The IECB is tasked with handling all election-related grievances, including challenges to nomination lists and voter eligibility. The Board reminded members that any objections must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe and directed to the IECB for review and resolution.

The IECB also asserted the constitutional directive that all internal elections be conducted “in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” adhering to approved election rules and regulations. The Board warned that any disputes should be resolved within the party, rather than involving external bodies, which could lead to unnecessary confusion and external interference.

“We will not tolerate any attempts to bypass the internal mechanisms of the party,” the IECB stated. “Such actions could damage the party’s credibility and undermine our democratic processes.”

The notice further clarified that members who wish to challenge the validity of voters or nomination lists must do so through the IECB, which is empowered to review such challenges and issue a decision. The IECB urged members to respect the party’s internal structures and avoid taking disputes outside the party’s established processes.

“We urge all members to respect the Constitution and the internal structures in place for resolving disputes,” the IECB added. “Our role is to ensure a fair, impartial, and transparent resolution of all complaints.”