Post-Primary Chaos Worsens as INEC Fixes Candidates’ Submission Deadline

Political parties across Nigeria are racing against time to resolve internal disputes, finalize candidate lists, and settle lingering controversies from their primary elections following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to maintain key deadlines ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the electoral calendar moving into a critical phase, party leaders are under increasing pressure to reconcile aggrieved aspirants, address legal challenges, and ensure compliance with INEC’s nomination requirements before the submission window closes.

INEC has announced that political parties will receive access codes on June 26, enabling authorized officials to upload the names and particulars of their candidates through the commission’s nomination portal. The electoral body has fixed July 11, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of candidates’ details for the 2027 elections.

The move marks the beginning of another crucial stage in Nigeria’s electoral process as parties transition from primary elections to the formal nomination of candidates who will contest various elective positions across the country.

According to INEC, political parties are expected to comply fully with the Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines to avoid complications that could jeopardize their participation in the elections.

Despite the progress toward candidate submission, several political parties continue to grapple with post-primary tensions. Across the country, allegations of irregularities, disputes over delegate lists, claims of imposition, and disagreements over the conduct of primaries have created uncertainty within party ranks.

Many aspirants who lost during the primary process have reportedly challenged the outcomes, while party leaderships are working to prevent defections and legal battles that could weaken their electoral prospects.

Political analysts warn that unresolved disputes could affect party cohesion and potentially lead to court cases capable of altering candidate lists before the elections.

The situation has been further complicated by recent court rulings concerning INEC’s electoral timetable. A Federal High Court had earlier nullified aspects of the commission’s schedule relating to party primaries and candidate nominations, ruling that certain deadlines were inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act.

However, INEC has maintained that political parties should continue to comply with its existing timetable while the commission pursues an appeal. The electoral body has also insisted that any primary election conducted after its May 30 deadline remains invalid unless a higher court overturns the current legal position.

This legal uncertainty has created additional pressure for parties already struggling to manage internal disagreements and meet administrative requirements.

While some parties remain entangled in disputes, others have indicated readiness to submit their candidates. Several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Young Progressives Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, have stated that they are prepared to forward the names of their candidates following the completion of their primary elections.

Their preparedness contrasts with the challenges facing some larger parties where disputes over nominations continue to dominate political discussions.

The coming weeks are expected to be decisive for Nigeria’s political landscape. Candidate nominations will determine the lineup of contenders for key offices, including the presidency, governorships, the National Assembly, and state legislative seats.

Election observers note that how political parties handle post-primary grievances could significantly influence their chances in the general elections. Parties that successfully manage internal conflicts may emerge stronger and more united, while prolonged disputes could weaken campaign efforts and voter confidence.

As the July 11 deadline approaches, political parties face a narrow window to resolve disputes, finalize alliances, and present credible candidates to the electorate. With legal battles, internal rivalries, and strategic calculations shaping the political environment, the race toward the 2027 general elections is already intensifying.

For INEC, the challenge remains ensuring that all parties comply with the Electoral Act while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.