The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political parties will receive official access codes for the Candidate Nomination Portal ahead of the 2027 general elections on June 26.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Tuesday during the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.
According to him, the access credentials will allow authorised national officials of political parties to upload the names, personal details and other required information of candidates nominated for the 2027 elections.
He urged political parties to adequately prepare their information and communication technology personnel and relevant officials for the exercise to avoid last-minute complications.
Amupitan stressed that all submissions must be completed within the approved timeframe, warning that the nomination portal is fully automated and would shut down automatically once the deadline expires.
“The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,” Amupitan warned.
The development comes amid growing anxiety within some political parties following delays in the issuance of certificates of return to candidates who emerged from party primaries concluded on May 30.
He also expressed concern over the increasing number of leadership disputes involving political parties currently before various courts across the country, describing the litigations as unnecessary distractions capable of affecting preparations for the elections.
The INEC boss urged political parties to resolve their internal disagreements promptly in the interest of democratic stability and effective electoral planning.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to neutrality, the INEC chairman pledged that the electoral body would remain independent and impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He further called on political parties to intensify voter mobilisation and education campaigns to encourage eligible Nigerians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise and collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the polls.
Amupitan said the credibility and success of the 2027 general election would depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to democratic values, transparency and respect for the rule of law.
“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 political parties that the Commission would continue to provide a level playing field for all contestants while ensuring strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all relevant electoral guidelines.
Speaking on recent court rulings that nullified aspects of the Commission’s election timetable, Amupitan stated that despite pending appeals, INEC remained committed to conducting the 2027 general elections in line with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act and lawful judicial pronouncements.
