2027 Elections: INEC Opens Path for Candidate Nominations, Sets June 26 for Release of Portal Access Codes

2027 Elections: INEC Opens Path for Candidate Nominations, Sets June 26 for Release of Portal Access Codes

June 9, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 26, 2026, as the official date for the release of access codes that will enable political parties to begin submitting candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its online nomination portal.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

The development marks another major step in preparations for the 2027 elections, as political parties move from the primary election stage to the formal nomination of candidates seeking elective offices across the country.

According to Amupitan, the access codes will be issued exclusively to authorised national officers of political parties, who will be responsible for uploading the names, personal particulars, credentials, and other required information of nominated candidates into INEC’s Candidate Nomination Portal.

He stressed that political parties must begin preparations immediately, warning that the nomination process would be strictly governed by deadlines and that the electronic portal would automatically shut down once the submission window closes.

“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. I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines. The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period.”

The INEC chairman noted that the release of the access codes follows the successful completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, paving the way for the next phase of the electoral process.

Beyond the nomination exercise, Amupitan raised concerns over lingering leadership disputes and internal crises within some political parties, many of which are currently the subject of court proceedings. He warned that such conflicts could become distractions capable of disrupting electoral preparations if not resolved promptly.

He therefore urged political actors to embrace dialogue and lawful mechanisms for dispute resolution in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral timetable and avoid unnecessary complications ahead of the polls.

Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and professionalism, the chairman assured all stakeholders that the commission would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without bias or external influence.

He also called on political parties to intensify voter education campaigns and mobilise eligible Nigerians to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, stressing the importance of obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the credibility and success of the elections will depend not only on INEC’s readiness but also on the willingness of political parties and candidates to adhere to democratic principles and electoral laws.

“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 and vote buying, and promote issue-based campaigns,” he stated.

Amupitan further assured political parties of equal treatment, emphasizing that INEC would continue to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines governing elections in Nigeria.

He disclosed that although appeals are currently pending against two Federal High Court judgments affecting certain aspects of the commission’s timetable, INEC remains committed to keeping preparations on track and will continue to implement lawful court directives while ensuring that the overall electoral process remains uninterrupted.

With less than a year before political campaigns are expected to gather momentum, the commission’s latest announcement signals the commencement of another critical stage in Nigeria’s journey toward the 2027 general elections, as political parties prepare to formally present the candidates who will seek the nation’s highest offices