INEC Delays Access Code Release for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the release date of access codes for political parties from Friday, June 26, 2026, to Monday, June 29, 2026. This decision aims to facilitate a smoother upload process for the names of nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Political parties have already received the necessary nomination forms, but the digital gateway for official submissions remains temporarily closed. The People's Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abdulrahman Moham, is preparing to submit its certified returns for nominated candidates by Wednesday, which includes presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, and House of Representatives candidates.

INEC requires that parties complete their candidate nominations within a strict timeline: presidential and national assembly candidates must submit forms between June 27 and July 11, 2026, while gubernatorial and state assembly forms will be accepted from July 18 to August 8, 2026. INEC will publish the particulars of presidential and national assembly candidates on August 14, 2026, and gubernatorial candidates on August 20, 2026, with public campaigning set to begin on August 19, 2026.