RismadarVoice Reporters
June 25, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day training programme for officials of political parties on the use of the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP) as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The training, which began on June 25 and ends on June 26 at The Electoral Institute (TEI), Abuja, is designed to equip political party officials responsible for candidate nominations and electronic submission of nomination documents with the knowledge and skills required to ensure a seamless and error-free nomination process.
Speaking at the opening session, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Bayode Lawrence, represented by the Deputy Director, ICT, Mrs Anthonia Idemudia, said the programme aligns with the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for electoral activities.
She explained that the training was specifically designed to familiarise political party officials with the procedures and requirements for uploading and submitting candidates’ information and supporting documents through the Commission’s online portal.
According to her, the exercise is particularly beneficial to officials participating in the nomination process for the first time, as it will help eliminate avoidable mistakes and facilitate a smooth nomination exercise.
Candidate Nomination Critical to Electoral Process
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaint Committee (LSC&CC), Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, the Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Ibrahim Sani, described candidate nomination as one of the most important stages of the electoral process.
He noted that the success of any election begins with the proper nomination of candidates by political parties.
“Nomination of candidates remains one of the most critical stages of the electoral process. Indeed, it is the foundation upon which elections are conducted. Without duly nominated candidates, there can be no electoral contest,” he said.
Prof. Sani emphasised that the Electoral Act 2026 places the responsibility on political parties to submit the details of their sponsored candidates within stipulated timelines and in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
He further disclosed that INEC had already released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, with candidate nomination scheduled to commence on June 27, 2026, making the training both timely and essential.
According to him, strict compliance with nomination procedures would help reduce pre-election disputes, enhance certainty in the electoral process, and strengthen public confidence in elections.
“The success of the 2027 General Election begins with adequate preparation, and this training is an important part of that preparation,” he added.
Reducing Errors and Enhancing Compliance
Also speaking, the Director of Legal Drafting and Compliance, Mrs Rakiya Na’Uzo Adamu, said the training was structured to educate political parties on the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates as provided under the Electoral Act 2026.
She noted that the programme seeks to address challenges encountered during previous nomination exercises, reduce errors associated with the completion and submission of nomination forms, and improve compliance with electoral regulations.
Mrs Adamu explained that ensuring political parties fully understand the nomination guidelines would contribute significantly to the credibility and efficiency of the electoral process.
Breakout Sessions
Following the opening ceremony, participants moved into technical breakout sessions where members of the Legal Drafting and Compliance Department took them through the nomination guidelines and practical aspects of the candidate nomination process.
The sessions provided opportunities for participants to seek clarification on areas of concern and gain hands-on experience with the nomination portal ahead of the commencement of candidate submissions.
The training forms part of INEC’s broader efforts to leverage technology, improve compliance, and ensure a transparent and efficient nomination process in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
