The Independent National Electoral Commission released access codes to political parties on June 26 for the candidate nomination portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, disclosed the development during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja. Amupitan stated that the commission would issue official access codes to all 22 registered political parties on that date.
He explained that the codes would allow designated national officers of the parties to upload names, personal particulars, and other required information of nominated candidates. Amupitan added that parties must complete submissions within the stipulated deadlines.
The portal operates as a fully automated system. Amupitan warned that it would close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period. He stressed that only candidates who emerged from democratic primaries would qualify for upload.
Political parties had concluded their primaries by May 30. As a result, the commission opened the online nomination portal shortly after to facilitate smooth candidate documentation.
This step forms part of the revised timetable for the 2027 polls. The commission scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls for February 6, 2027.
Amupitan noted that the move ensured compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. He urged parties to adhere strictly to guidelines to avoid disqualification of candidates.
Leaders of political parties attended the meeting and received briefings on the process. The development allows parties to begin formal nomination processes in an organized manner. Officials expect full compliance as parties finalize their candidate lists for the upcoming elections.
