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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 26, 2026, as the date for the release of access codes that will enable political parties to commence the upload of candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its online nomination portal.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties held in Abuja.
He explained that the development follows the successful conclusion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, and marks the next phase in preparations for the 2027 polls.
According to Amupitan, the access codes will be issued to designated national officers of political parties, who will be responsible for uploading the names, biodata and other relevant particulars of nominated candidates into the commission’s electronic portal.
The INEC chairman urged political parties to treat the exercise with utmost seriousness by ensuring that their ICT personnel and other relevant officials are adequately prepared ahead of the commencement of the nomination process.
He warned that the commission would strictly adhere to the electoral timetable, stressing that the nomination portal is fully automated and would automatically close once the submission deadline expires.
“On Friday, June 26, 2026, the commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal,” Amupitan said.
“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.”
He further advised parties to complete all submissions well before the stipulated deadlines to avoid technical or administrative challenges that could affect the nomination process.
Amupitan also expressed concern over lingering legal disputes involving the leadership of some political parties, describing them as avoidable distractions capable of undermining electoral preparations.
He urged political stakeholders to resolve internal conflicts and pending court matters promptly in order to maintain the momentum of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Reaffirming the commission’s neutrality, the INEC chairman assured political parties that the electoral body would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities fairly, transparently and without bias.
He noted that the commission remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties while strictly adhering to the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant electoral guidelines.
Amupitan also called on political parties to intensify voter mobilisation and civic enlightenment campaigns, particularly encouraging eligible Nigerians to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.
According to him, the credibility and success of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on the preparedness of INEC but also on the commitment of political parties to democratic principles and responsible conduct.
He urged parties to conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence, hate speech and vote-buying, and embrace issue-based campaigns capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The INEC chairman added that despite pending appeals arising from two Federal High Court judgments affecting aspects of the commission’s timetable, preparations for the 2027 elections would continue in accordance with lawful judicial directives and established electoral procedures.
