Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman
The political atmosphere has become chaotic as political parties race to resolve post-primary disputes, finalise candidate lists and conclude consultations on running mates.
This comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed June 26 for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as the deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars 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.
Reiterating the commission’s independence, Amupitan assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to discharge its duties impartially and in line with constitutional provisions.
The INEC boss further encouraged parties to intensify voter education efforts and mobilise citizens to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.
“The success of the 2027 general election will depend not only on the preparedness of the commission but also on the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence, hate speech, and vote buying, and promote issue-based campaigns,” he said.
Amupitan noted that the commission would ensure equal treatment for all parties while strictly following the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines.
Despite pending appeals against two Federal High Court judgments affecting parts of INEC’s timetable, he affirmed that preparations for the 2027 elections would continue as scheduled under lawful court directives.
The commission disclosed it has filed appeals against two recent Federal High Court rulings that questioned key components of its timetable for the 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to dismantle parts of the schedule could disrupt the entire electoral process.
Amupitan said the commission had reviewed the two judgments and decided to approach appellate courts for clearer interpretations of its legal and constitutional mandate in organising election activities.
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