Political parties across Nigeria are intensifying efforts to resolve post-primary disputes, finalize candidate lists, and conclude consultations on vice-presidential nominees ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) July 11 deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The development follows INEC’s announcement that official access codes to its Candidate Nomination Portal will be issued to political parties on June 26, enabling them to begin uploading candidates’ details from June 27.
Speaking during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said only candidates whose particulars are submitted within the stipulated timeframe would be eligible to contest under their respective party platforms.
He urged political parties to ensure their ICT teams and designated officials are fully prepared for the process, warning that the portal is automated and will shut down immediately after the deadline.
“On June 26, the commission will issue official access codes to political parties for access to the Candidate Nomination Portal. Designated national officers will be responsible for uploading nominees’ names, personal particulars, and other required information. Parties should ensure all submissions are completed before the deadline, as the portal will close automatically,” Amupitan stated.
The INEC chairman also expressed concern over unresolved leadership crises and internal disputes within political parties, noting that such conflicts, alongside ongoing court cases challenging parts of the electoral timetable, could complicate preparations for the 2027 polls.
Despite the legal challenges, Amupitan assured stakeholders that the commission remains committed to implementing its electoral schedule and conducting credible elections in line with constitutional and statutory provisions.
INEC recently filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments delivered in suits brought by the Youth Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), respectively. While the commission maintains that its timetable is legally sound, it argued that altering specific timelines could disrupt the interconnected processes required for election planning and administration.
According to Amupitan, election preparations involve a complex chain of activities, including the submission and verification of party membership registers, monitoring of primaries, candidate nominations, ballot printing, voter education, procurement of election materials, and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“The commission considers it imperative that all electoral activities be harmonised within a coherent framework that promotes certainty, transparency, administrative efficiency, and equal treatment of political parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, several political parties have declared their readiness to meet the nomination deadline.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said it is currently addressing appeals and grievances arising from its primaries before forwarding candidates’ names to INEC.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was prioritising internal dispute resolution to avoid legal complications that could emerge from unresolved complaints by aspirants.
Similarly, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) confirmed they would begin uploading candidates’ details immediately after the portal opens.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) disclosed that it is compiling documentation for candidates seeking elective positions across all levels, while the Labour Party (LP) said its National Executive Committee is expected to ratify its nomination list before submission to INEC.
Beyond candidate nominations, major parties are also finalising discussions on vice-presidential candidates.
The Labour Party, which has presented Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate, confirmed that consultations on a running mate are nearing completion.
Likewise, SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo is reportedly engaging in broad consultations within party structures before unveiling his choice of running mate.
So far, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) remains the only party to have announced a complete presidential ticket. Its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate shortly after securing the party’s nomination.
Attention is also turning to the African Democratic Congress, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is intensifying consultations over his vice-presidential pick.
Recent meetings between Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have fueled speculation that the former transportation minister could emerge as the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate. However, party insiders say other names, including media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, are also being considered.
Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, described the consultations as part of broader efforts by opposition leaders to build a formidable political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the nomination deadline fast approaching, political parties are under increasing pressure to settle internal disputes, complete candidate documentation, and finalize presidential tickets as the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.