Political parties across the country are moving swiftly to resolve post-primary disputes, finalise candidate lists and conclude consultations on running mates following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s announcement of key deadlines for the 2027 general elections.
INEC has fixed June 26 for the release of access codes to its candidate nomination portal and July 11 as the deadline for political parties to submit the details of their candidates.
The development has triggered a flurry of activities among political parties, many of which are still addressing appeals from aggrieved aspirants, leadership disputes and negotiations over vice-presidential nominations.
Speaking during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja on Tuesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission would issue access codes to political parties on June 26, allowing authorised officials to upload the names and particulars of candidates into the commission’s portal.
According to him, the nomination portal will open on June 27 and automatically close on July 11, warning parties to ensure all submissions are completed before the deadline.
He urged political parties to adequately prepare their ICT personnel and relevant officials to avoid last-minute challenges.
Amupitan also expressed concern over unresolved court cases involving party leadership disputes, describing them as unnecessary distractions that could affect preparations for the elections.
Despite ongoing legal battles over parts of INEC’s electoral timetable, he assured stakeholders that the commission remained committed to conducting credible elections in line with constitutional provisions and court directives.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) all confirmed they were preparing to submit their candidates' details before the deadline.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was currently resolving appeals and complaints arising from its primaries before forwarding candidates’ names to INEC.
Similarly, YPP spokesman Wale Egbeola-Martins said the party would begin uploading candidate details immediately the portal becomes operational, while APGA maintained that its candidate list was already ready.
The SDP also disclosed that it was compiling the final documents required for submission, while the Labour Party said its National Executive Committee would meet this week to ratify its nomination list before forwarding it to INEC.
The NDC, which has already concluded its primaries, stated that it was prepared to submit the names of its candidates and had begun issuing nomination forms to successful aspirants.
Meanwhile, consultations over vice-presidential candidates continue in some parties.
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The Labour Party said discussions were ongoing regarding the selection of a running mate for its presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, while the SDP revealed that its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, was still consulting widely before making a final decision.
So far, only the Nigerian Democratic Congress has unveiled its presidential ticket, with Peter Obi selecting former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Attention is also turning to the ADC, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly intensifying consultations ahead of naming a running mate.
Sources within the party suggest that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is among the leading contenders following his strong performance during the party’s presidential primaries.
Another name reportedly being considered is media entrepreneur and politician, Dele Momodu, who some party loyalists believe would provide a loyal and dependable partnership for Atiku.
Although no official decision has been announced, recent meetings between Atiku and Amaechi have fueled speculation about the eventual composition of the ADC presidential ticket.
With less than a month before INEC’s submission deadline, political parties are under increasing pressure to settle internal disputes, complete candidate documentation and finalise their presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
