Political parties across Nigeria are racing to complete the upload of candidates for the 2027 general elections as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) nomination portal is set to close at midnight tonight.
The commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 11 July 2026, as the deadline for parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates. INEC extended the window by three days following an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which sought more time on behalf of parties experiencing technical difficulties with the portal.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the extension was granted to give all registered parties a fair opportunity to complete the process. The commission said the adjustment does not affect other activities on the 2027 election timetable, under which presidential and National Assembly elections remain scheduled for Saturday, 16 January 2027.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have both confirmed completing their uploads. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party successfully uploaded its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates. The PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the completion of his party’s submission as a milestone.
Not all parties have moved as quickly. The Young Progressives Party had earlier flagged technical challenges on the portal and called for an extension, citing fairness and the integrity of the process. The Nigeria Democratic Congress said its submission was proceeding without setbacks despite an ongoing court dispute over the party’s registration status.
INEC has cautioned parties against waiting until the final hours, warning that late submissions could create avoidable difficulties. The commission has said the portal is fully automated and will close automatically once the deadline expires.
What Happens Next
Following the close of the portal, INEC is expected to publish the personal particulars of submitted candidates for public scrutiny. Parties unable to complete their uploads may still apply for candidate substitution in line with the Electoral Act and the commission’s regulations.
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