By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed June 26 as date for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as deadline for the submission of particulars of parties’ candidates for the 2027 general election.
INEC’s announcement is coming as political parties are still mired in disputes arising from their primaries.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2nd Quarterly Consultative Meeting of leaders of registered political parties, warned that unresolved internal conflicts and ongoing court challenges to its electoral timetable could complicate preparations for the elections.
He revealed that the issuance of access codes 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 submitting 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 will be eligible to contest elections under their parties’ platforms.
Amupitan said access codes would 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.
“On Friday, June 26, 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.”
Expressing concern over unresolved court cases relating to internal party leadership, Prof. Amupitan said such disputes constitute unnecessary distractions that could affect electoral preparations.
He urged political actors to resolve such disputes promptly to keep the electoral timetable on track.
Affirming the commission’s independence, Amupitan assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to discharge its duties impartially and in line with constitutional provisions.
He encouraged political parties to intensify voter education campaigns 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 adhering to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all relevant guidelines.
INEC further disclosed that it has filed appeals against two recent Federal High Court judgments 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.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have expressed readiness to submit the names of their candidates following the conclusion of their primary elections.
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