Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will issue official access codes to all registered political parties on June 26, 2026, to enable them submit candidates for the 2027 General Election through its Candidate Nomination Portal.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Leaders of Political Parties in Abuja.
Amupitan said the access codes would grant political parties entry into the Commission’s online nomination platform, where they are expected to upload the names and particulars of candidates emerging from their primary elections.
He warned that the portal is fully automated and would close immediately after the expiration of the nomination period, with no extension granted to any political party.
“The portal is fully automated and will close without extension at the expiration of the prescribed period,” he said, urging parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officials are adequately prepared ahead of the deadline.
The announcement comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election amid ongoing legal disputes over aspects of its election timetable.
The INEC chairman also urged political parties to intensify voter mobilisation and education efforts to support the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, encouraging eligible Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle speaking on behalf of the political parties called for amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions governing party primaries, which he said contributed to disputes and litigation during the recently concluded nomination process.
The IPAC chairman also appealed to political actors to shun violence and embrace issue-based campaigns as preparations gather momentum for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.