Political parties across Nigeria are racing to settle post-primary disputes, finalise candidate lists, and conclude consultations on running mates after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced key deadlines for the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed that access codes for its Candidate Nomination Portal will be released on June 26, 2026, while July 11, 2026, remains the final deadline for political parties to submit details of their candidates.
The announcement has intensified activities within major political parties as they work to resolve lingering appeals, leadership disagreements, and nomination challenges before the submission window closes.
Speaking during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said authorised party officials would receive portal access codes to upload candidates’ personal information and nomination details.
He warned political parties to prepare adequately for the process, stressing that the portal would close automatically once the deadline expires.
Amupitan urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel and relevant officials are ready ahead of the nomination exercise to avoid last-minute challenges.
The INEC chairman also expressed concern over unresolved court cases involving party leadership disputes, warning that such conflicts could complicate preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to him, electoral activities are interconnected and any disruption to one component could affect the entire election timetable.
INEC further revealed that it has appealed two Federal High Court judgments that challenged aspects of its electoral timetable.
One ruling followed a suit filed by the Youth Party, while another originated from a case instituted by the Social Democratic Party.
The commission argued that election planning involves several interdependent activities, including party membership verification, monitoring of primaries, candidate nominations, voter education, procurement of election materials, personnel training, and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
Amupitan maintained that separating these processes could undermine administrative efficiency and create uncertainty within the electoral system.
Despite the legal challenges, he assured Nigerians that preparations for the 2027 elections would continue according to schedule.
Political parties have begun outlining their readiness to comply with INEC’s guidelines.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said it is currently resolving appeals arising from its primary elections before forwarding candidates’ names to the commission.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the party wants to avoid legal complications by ensuring all grievances are properly addressed before submissions are made.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) also confirmed that it is prepared to upload candidates’ details immediately the nomination portal becomes operational.
Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) stated that it has completed the compilation of its candidate list and is waiting for the portal to open.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) disclosed that it is processing documentation relating to candidates who emerged from its primaries across all elective positions.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) announced that it has concluded its primaries and is ready to submit its candidates to INEC.
The Labour Party also expressed confidence that it would meet the deadline, revealing that its National Executive Committee is expected to ratify its nomination list before submission.
Attention is also shifting to the selection of vice-presidential candidates.
While the NDC has already unveiled former Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, consultations continue within both the Labour Party and SDP regarding their vice-presidential nominees.
Labour Party officials disclosed that discussions on the matter are nearing completion, while SDP leaders said presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo is consulting widely within the party before making a final decision.
In the ADC, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar is reportedly intensifying consultations over the choice of a running mate.
Sources within the party revealed that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is among the leading contenders being considered for the position following recent consultations between both politicians.
Another group within the party is said to be promoting media entrepreneur and politician Dele Momodu as a potential vice-presidential candidate.
Although no official decision has been announced, party insiders say consultations are progressing as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
With the July 11 deadline approaching, political parties face increasing pressure to settle internal disputes, complete documentation, and present unified tickets ahead of what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely contested elections.
Be the first to comment