Political parties are under mounting pressure to resolve post-primary disputes and complete candidate nominations after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed July 11, 2026, as the deadline for submitting candidates’ particulars for the 2027 general elections.
According to The PUNCH, INEC will issue access codes to political parties on June 26, enabling them to begin uploading candidates’ details to the commission’s nomination portal from June 27.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, said designated national officers would be responsible for submitting nominees’ biodata and other required information through the automated portal, warning that the system would close automatically once the deadline expires.
The development comes amid lingering disputes from party primaries, appeals by aggrieved aspirants, leadership battles and legal challenges to parts of INEC’s election timetable.
Amupitan expressed concern that unresolved internal party conflicts and court cases could complicate preparations for the 2027 elections, urging political actors to resolve disputes quickly.
The commission also revealed it has appealed two recent Federal High Court judgments involving its election timetable. One case was filed by the Youth Party, while another was brought by the Social Democratic Party. INEC argues that the electoral timetable is an interconnected framework and that removing specific timelines could disrupt election planning.
Several political parties said they are preparing to meet the deadline.
The African Democratic Congress said it is currently addressing appeals arising from its primaries before forwarding candidates’ names to INEC.
The Young Progressives Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party, Labour Party and Nigerian Democratic Congress all indicated they are compiling or finalising candidate lists ahead of the deadline.
While the NDC has already unveiled a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso, both the Labour Party and SDP said consultations are ongoing over their vice-presidential candidates.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Chibuzo Okereke, is yet to announce a running mate, while SDP candidate Adewole Adebayo is consulting party stakeholders before making a decision.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has intensified consultations over his own vice-presidential choice. Sources within the ADC suggested former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi is a leading contender, although media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has also been mentioned by some party loyalists.
Atiku’s spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, described recent meetings between Atiku and Amaechi as part of wider consultations aimed at building a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 election.
INEC maintained that despite ongoing litigation, preparations for the polls remain on schedule and pledged to conduct the elections in line with constitutional and legal requirements.
