2027: INEC to release candidate nomination portal access codes June 26
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that it will issue access codes to political parties on June 26, 2026, to enable them begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its Candidate Nomination Portal.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.
According to him, the move follows the conclusion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, and marks another milestone in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan explained that the access codes would be issued to authorised national officers of political parties, who would be responsible for uploading the names, personal particulars and other relevant information of nominated candidates into the commission’s portal.
“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,” 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.”
The INEC chairman urged political parties to take the process seriously and ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers were fully prepared ahead of the exercise, warning that deadlines would be strictly enforced.
“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,” he added.
Amupitan also expressed concern over unresolved court cases involving the leadership of some political parties, describing them as unnecessary distractions that could affect electoral preparations.
He urged political actors to resolve such disputes quickly in order to keep the electoral timetable on track.
Reaffirming the commission’s independence, the INEC chairman assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to discharge its responsibilities impartially and in line with constitutional provisions.
He further called on political parties to intensify voter education and mobilise eligible Nigerians to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and obtain their 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 reiterated that the commission would continue to provide a level playing field for all political parties while strictly adhering to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant electoral guidelines.
He added that despite pending appeals arising from two Federal High Court judgments affecting aspects of INEC’s timetable, preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue as scheduled in line with valid court directives.