2027: INEC to release candidate nomination portal access codes June 26

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set June 26, 2026, as the date for releasing access codes to its candidate nomination portal. This marks a significant step for political parties preparing to upload their nominated candidates' details for the 2027 general elections.

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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.

The announcement came from INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja. He explained that the portal access follows the conclusion of party primaries on May 30, 2026. Authorized national officers from each political party will receive the codes to submit nominees' biodata and other required information into the system.

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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.

Professor Amupitan stressed the importance of this process, urging parties to ensure their information technology personnel are fully prepared. He cautioned that deadlines would be strictly enforced, as the portal is automated and closes automatically. He also expressed concern over ongoing court cases related to internal party leadership, viewing them as unnecessary distractions that could impede electoral preparations and urging swift resolutions.

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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

Reiterating the commission's independence, Amupitan assured stakeholders that INEC would conduct its duties impartially, adhering to constitutional provisions. He encouraged parties to intensify voter education and mobilize citizens for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to obtain Permanent Voter Cards. The success of the 2027 elections, he stated, depends on the commission's preparedness and the commitment of political parties to democratic principles, transparent primaries, and issue-based campaigns, while discouraging violence and hate speech.

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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