Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will issue official access codes to political parties for the Candidate Nomination Portal for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections on Friday, June 26.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Tuesday at a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.
Although party primaries for the election of candidates were concluded on May 30, there has been growing tension following the failure of some political parties to issue certificates of return to elected candidates.
Amupitan said the access codes would enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars, and other required information relating to nominated candidates.
Prof. Amupitan urged political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared for the exercise.
He stated that all submissions must be completed within the stipulated deadlines.
‘The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,’ the INEC chairman warned.
Prof. Amupitan expressed concern over several cases still pending in various courts regarding party leadership, describing them as ‘an unnecessary distraction.’
He expressed the belief that all issues should be resolved without further delay.
The INEC Chairman pledged the Commission’s independence and impartiality in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He called on political party leaders to intensify voter education and mobilisation efforts so that eligible citizens would take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the next general election.
Prof. Amupitan noted that the credibility of elections depends on the collective commitment to the rule of law, democratic values, and the integrity of the electoral process.
‘The success of the 2027 general election will depend not only on the preparedness of the Commission but also on the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence, hate speech, vote buying, and promote issue-based campaigns,’ he said.
The INEC Chairman assured that the Commission would continue to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, ensuring strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines.
Prof. Amupitan, while speaking on two judgments of the Federal High Court that nullified some aspects of INEC’s timetable, stated that, notwithstanding the pending appeals, the Commission remains committed to conducting the 2027 general election in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all lawful judicial pronouncements.