Trending 
The race toward Nigeria’s 2027 general election has entered a crucial phase as political parties intensify efforts to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s deadline for uploading the particulars of their candidates through the Commission’s online nomination portal.
While major parties, including the ruling APC, PDP and ADC, have indicated that they are making steady progress with the submission process, several smaller political parties have complained of technical difficulties and delays in completing their uploads. Some parties also continue to grapple with unresolved internal issues, including disputes arising from party primaries and the selection of running mates for governorship candidates.
INEC introduced the electronic nomination portal to improve transparency, reduce paperwork, and streamline the submission of candidates’ information. The portal requires political parties to upload Forms EC9 and other statutory nomination documents before the deadline, after which the system will automatically close.
According to the Commission’s election timetable, political parties must complete the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates by 6:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026, while the submission window for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will open on July 18 and close on August 8, 2026.
Political observers say the deadline is expected to test the organisational strength of many parties, particularly those still battling internal leadership disputes or unresolved primary election controversies. Missing the deadline could have serious legal implications, including the inability to field candidates for affected elective positions.
With the countdown already underway, all eyes are now on INEC and the political parties as Nigeria inches closer to what promises to be one of its most closely watched general elections.
