Political parties are making last-minute efforts to meet the July 11, 2026 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC fixed 6:00 p.m. on July 11 as the closing date for political parties to upload the nomination forms of their presidential and National Assembly candidates through its online portal. The submission process began on June 27 in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
So far, some major parties have already unveiled their presidential tickets. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has presented former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has also confirmed Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
However, President Bola Tinubu, who secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in May, is yet to officially announce his running mate. Although there have been strong speculations that Vice President Kashim Shettima will retain the position, the APC has maintained that the final decision rests with the President.
The development has fuelled speculation that the ruling party could adopt the same strategy it used in 2022 by submitting a placeholder vice-presidential candidate before replacing the nominee ahead of the substitution deadline on August 22.
Sources within the APC disclosed that the party has already uploaded the nomination details of several National Assembly candidates, including those of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who are contesting for Senate seats.
Party officials also said the nomination process has progressed smoothly and expressed confidence that Tinubu's presidential nomination, alongside that of his running mate, would be submitted before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it has completed about 60 per cent of the upload of its National Assembly candidates.
The party's National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, explained that the remaining submissions were delayed because some candidates were yet to provide the required documents.
He expressed confidence that the exercise would be completed within the timeframe provided by INEC.
INEC has scheduled the publication of the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates for August 1, while governorship and state House of Assembly candidates will be published on August 29 as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
