RismadarVoice Reporters, June 29, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several political parties have disagreed over the availability of the access codes required to upload candidates’ details ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While many political parties claimed they were yet to receive the access codes needed to submit candidates’ particulars on INEC’s nomination portal, the electoral commission maintained that the codes had already been released following a training programme for party representatives.
INEC explained that representatives of political parties underwent training on the use of the nomination portal on Thursday and Friday, insisting that the deadline for uploading presidential and National Assembly candidates remains July 11, 2026.
According to the commission, political parties are expected to submit Forms EC9 and related nomination documents online within the stipulated timetable, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
However, parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Labour Party (LP), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) insisted they had not received the access codes, despite assurances from INEC that they would be made available.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), however, confirmed receiving access codes for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election and expressed confidence that codes for the 2027 general elections would also be issued.
Meanwhile, the dispute comes amid ongoing internal leadership battles within some political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ADC, as rival factions seek recognition to upload candidates on INEC’s portal.
Despite the concerns raised by the parties, INEC maintained that the nomination process remains on schedule and assured political parties that technical support is available throughout the submission period.
