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 begin uploading candidates’ details ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.
He said the development follows the conclusion of party primaries, which ended on May 30, 2026.
According to him, the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for submitting candidates’ information through the Commission’s nomination portal.
Amupitan emphasised that the process must be taken seriously, urging parties to ensure their ICT personnel are adequately prepared as deadlines will be strictly enforced.
“The Commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal on Friday, 26th June, 2026,” he 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 warned that the portal is fully automated and will close immediately after the expiration of the submission window.
“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,” he added.
Amupitan also raised concerns over ongoing court cases relating to internal party leadership disputes, describing them as distractions that could undermine electoral preparations.
He called on political stakeholders to resolve such disputes promptly in order to keep the electoral process on schedule.
Reaffirming INEC’s independence, the chairman assured political parties that the Commission would continue to operate impartially in line with constitutional provisions.
He also urged parties to intensify voter education campaigns and mobilise citizens to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to obtain Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.
“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 said.
Amupitan added that INEC would ensure equal treatment of all political parties while strictly adhering to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and relevant guidelines.
He noted that despite pending appeals against two Federal High Court judgments affecting aspects of the electoral timetable, preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue in accordance with lawful court directives.
