Post-primary chaos worsens as INEC fixes candidates’ submission deadline

Political parties in Nigeria are in a race against time to resolve post-primary disputes and finalize candidate lists following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) announcement of key deadlines for the 2027 general elections. INEC has set June 26 for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as the final date for submitting candidates' particulars.

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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 electoral commission's timetable comes amidst ongoing appeals, grievances, and leadership tussles that have trailed the conclusion of party primaries. INEC has cautioned that unresolved internal conflicts and existing court challenges to its electoral schedule could potentially complicate preparations for the polls. Meanwhile, major political parties are intensifying efforts to meet the nomination deadline and finalize their presidential tickets.

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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.

Several parties, including the African Democratic Congress, the Young Progressives Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, have indicated their readiness to submit their candidate lists to INEC. The commission's portal is a crucial element of the nomination process, ensuring that only candidates whose details are submitted within the specified period are eligible to contest.

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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.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated that access codes would be issued to authorized national officers of each political party. These codes will enable the uploading of nominees' biodata and other required information. He stressed the importance of this process, urging parties to ensure their information technology personnel are prepared and that all submissions are completed before the deadlines, as the portal will close automatically. Amupitan also expressed concern over ongoing court cases related to internal party leadership, deeming them unnecessary disruptions.

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He also expressed concern about unresolved court cases relating to internal party leadership, describing them as unnecessary dis