2027 Polls: Nine Parties Commence Candidate Upload Process as INEC Issues Fresh Warning

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that nine political parties have obtained the required access credentials to submit details of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

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The commission said the development marks the beginning of a crucial phase in preparations for the next general elections, with political parties expected to complete the nomination process through INEC’s online portal within the approved timeframe.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday, INEC National Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed that nine registered parties had already collected the access codes needed to upload candidates’ information.

According to him, the parties include the Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, National Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, and Social Democratic Party.

Haruna stressed that it remains the responsibility of each political party to obtain the access code directly from the electoral commission. 

He explained that INEC would not distribute the codes to party offices or secretariats.

“Political parties are expected to take the necessary steps to collect their credentials from the commission. 

"The process has been clearly communicated, and compliance is essential,” he said.

He further noted that any representative seeking to collect the code on behalf of a party must present a valid letter of authorisation issued by the party leadership.

Meanwhile, the INEC commissioner urged political parties to strictly comply with the guidelines governing candidate nominations. 

He revealed that party officials had already undergone training sessions organised by the commission to ensure a smooth and transparent nomination exercise.

Haruna also warned against delaying submissions until the final hours of the deadline, saying such practices often create avoidable challenges for political parties.

“Parties should not wait until the closing hours before uploading their candidates’ details. 

Adequate time has been provided, and early submission helps prevent unnecessary complications,” he said.

He added that although the commission had extended the submission window to midnight on the final day, parties that choose to delay their filings would bear responsibility for any difficulties encountered.

Under INEC’s election timetable, political parties are expected to submit nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates between June 27 and July 11 through the commission’s designated online nomination portal.

Furthermore, the schedule indicates that the submission period for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will commence on July 18 and run until August 8 as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.