BREAKING: TENSION RISES AS INEC ACTIVATES CANDIDATE NOMINATION PORTAL AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

TENSION RISES AS INEC ACTIVATES CANDIDATE NOMINATION PORTAL AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS


Political tension is rising across Nigeria after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially activated encrypted access codes for its Candidate Nomination Portal, a move expected to force political parties to finalize and submit candidate lists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has triggered fresh anxiety among major political parties as internal disagreements over candidate selection and party harmonization processes begin to intensify.

Despite completing primary elections in recent weeks, several political parties are yet to publicly release full candidate lists for governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative positions, with many only confirming presidential candidates so far.

With the release of access credentials for the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), party leaderships are now under pressure to complete the submission process within the timeframe stipulated under the Electoral Act 2026.

INEC introduced the digital nomination portal as part of efforts to improve transparency in candidate submissions, reduce manual interference, and eliminate last-minute alterations often associated with Nigeria’s electoral process.

The electoral body recently conducted a two-day training exercise for designated ICT officers representing registered political parties to ensure compliance with the electronic submission procedure.

Under the system, once the submission deadline expires, the portal automatically locks, preventing further candidate modifications or additional uploads.

The situation is reportedly creating significant pressure within several political parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where intense internal negotiations have continued following highly competitive party primaries held in May.

Following those primaries, the APC National Working Committee reportedly began a harmonization process designed to balance political interests, strengthen party loyalty, and strategically position candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the process has reportedly generated controversy in several states.

Reports indicate that some aspirants who believe they legitimately won party primaries are concerned about possible replacement during final list submissions, while some incumbent lawmakers and influential political figures are also reportedly facing exclusion from final harmonized candidate lists.

Political observers warn that any attempt by party leadership to submit candidate lists that significantly differ from outcomes produced during internal primaries could trigger legal disputes under Section 84 of the Electoral Act, which outlines democratic procedures for candidate selection.

Ondo State has reportedly emerged as one of the flashpoints reflecting these growing tensions.

Within the state chapter of the APC, quiet resistance is reportedly building following legislative and senatorial primaries conducted between May 15 and May 20, 2026.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly urged party members to prioritize merit, loyalty, and electability in candidate selection while cautioning against actions capable of creating internal division ahead of the elections.

However, some party stakeholders at constituency and senatorial district levels are reportedly raising concerns that popular grassroots aspirants may be sidelined in favor of administrative consensus arrangements.

With INEC’s portal now fully operational, political parties across the country face mounting pressure to meet submission deadlines while managing possible fallout from dissatisfied aspirants.

Analysts say the transition from traditional physical submissions to a rigid digital nomination system removes opportunities for last-minute political negotiations, meaning immediate consequences could include formal protests, defections, and pre-election court battles challenging candidate legitimacy.

The coming days are expected to test party unity nationwide as preparations intensify toward the 2027 general elections.

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