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

Political parties are racing to resolve post-primary disputes, finalise candidate lists and conclude consultations on running mates after the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed June 26 for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as the deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars for the 2027 general elections. As appeals, grievances and leadership tussles continue to trail the conclusion of party primaries, INEC has warned that unresolved internal conflicts and ongoing court challenges to its electoral timetable could complicate preparations for the polls, even as major parties intensify efforts to beat the nomination deadline and complete their presidential tickets.

The African Democratic Congress, the Young Progressives Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance have expressed readiness to submit the names of their candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission following the conclusion of their primary elections. The electoral umpire announced that the access codes would allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections to its portal.

The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties, noting that the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026. Political parties will gain access to the dedicated nomination portal from June 27, while the deadline for submission of candidates’ details is July 11, 2026.