The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several political parties have offered conflicting accounts over the release of access codes required to upload candidates’ details ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, creating fresh uncertainty as nomination deadlines approach.
According to INEC’s revised timetable, political parties were expected to begin collecting access codes from June 26 to submit nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates. However, many opposition parties insist they have not yet received the credentials despite the portal already opening for submissions.
INEC maintained that the commission has already begun issuing the access codes after conducting training sessions for representatives of political parties. A senior official of the commission explained that parties have until July 11, 2026, to complete the online submission process for presidential and National Assembly candidates.
The official said ICT representatives from registered political parties participated in training sessions on Thursday and Friday to familiarise themselves with the nomination portal. INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, dismissed claims that the commission had failed to provide the required credentials.
She said parties were expected to attend the training before receiving the access codes, adding that complaints would only become valid if the codes were still unavailable after the exercise. The INEC candidate upload codes process forms part of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to submit candidate nominations at least 120 days before election day.
Despite INEC’s position, several political parties maintained that the access codes had not reached them. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) said the commission had informed parties that the codes would be released once administrative processes were completed. Officials of the Labour Party also disclosed that they were still awaiting the credentials, although nomination forms had already been distributed to aspirants.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) stated that it formally requested its access code from INEC but had not received any response. The party noted that the situation comes amid ongoing legal proceedings challenging its registration following a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
NDC National Chairman Senator Cleopas Zuwoghe insisted the party would continue preparations while pursuing an appeal against the judgment. He expressed confidence that the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, running mate and other candidates would remain eligible for the 2027 elections.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) confirmed that INEC had already begun issuing access codes for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
NNPP National Secretary Dipo Olayoku said the commission deserved recognition for managing several major electoral activities simultaneously, including recent off-cycle elections and multiple legal disputes involving political parties. Meanwhile, the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party confirmed that INEC had notified it that its access code was ready for collection.
Under the commission’s timetable, submissions for presidential and National Assembly candidates close on July 11, while governorship and State House of Assembly nominations will run from July 18 to August 8.
As preparations continue, the disagreement over the INEC candidate upload codes highlights the administrative challenges facing both the electoral commission and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. With statutory deadlines fast approaching, timely completion of the nomination process remains critical to ensuring a smooth electoral calendar.
