The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set June 26, 2026, for the release of access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday by the Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.
He said the step follows the completion of party primaries 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 uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.
Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously, urging parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly enforced.
The INEC chairman disclosed that “on Friday, 26th June, 2026, the commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.
“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”.
He also expressed concern about unresolved court cases relating to internal party leadership, describing them as unnecessary distractions that could affect electoral preparations.
He urged political actors to resolve such disputes quickly to keep the electoral timetable on track.
Reiterating the commission’s independence, he assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to discharge its duties impartially and in line with constitutional provisions.
The INEC boss further encouraged parties to intensify voter education efforts and mobilise citizens to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to 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.
The INEC chairman added that the commission would ensure equal treatment for all parties while strictly following the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines.
He noted that despite pending appeals against two Federal High Court judgments affecting parts of INEC’s timetable, preparations for the 2027 elections would continue as scheduled under lawful court directives.
