Political parties are rushing to settle post-primary disputes, finalize candidate lists, and wrap up consultations on running mates after the Independent National Electoral Commission set June 26 as the date for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as the deadline for submitting candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections.
As appeals, grievances, and leadership tussles continue to trail the conclusion of party primaries, INEC has warned that unresolved internal conflicts and ongoing court challenges to its electoral timetable could complicate preparations for the polls, even as major parties intensify efforts to beat the nomination deadline and complete their presidential tickets.
The African Democratic Congress, the Young Progressives Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance have expressed readiness to submit the names of their candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission following the conclusion of their primary elections.
The electoral umpire announced that the access codes would allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections to its portal.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties, noting that the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026.
According to the commission’s schedule, political parties will gain access to the dedicated nomination portal from June 27, while the deadline for submission of candidates’ details is July 11, 2026.
The portal is a critical component of the nomination process, as only candidates whose particulars are submitted within the stipulated period are eligible to contest elections under the platform of their parties.
According to Amupitan, access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.
He cautioned that the process must be taken seriously, urging parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly enforced.
“On Friday, 26th June, 2026, the commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.
“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.
“I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines. The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,” he stated.
He also expressed concern about unresolved court cases relating to internal party leadership, describing them as unnecessary distractions that could affect electoral preparations.
He urged political actors to resolve such disputes quickly to keep the electoral timetable on track.
