The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that nine registered political parties have collected the access codes required to upload the particulars of their candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development marks another step in the commission’s preparations for the next electoral cycle, as political parties begin complying with administrative requirements for the nomination of candidates.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
According to Haruna, the political parties had, as of the close of business on Monday, obtained the access codes needed to upload their candidates’ details through the commission’s designated electronic nomination portal.
“As of close of work on Monday, nine political parties have collected the access code for the national elections,” he said.
Haruna identified the parties that have completed the process as the Accord, Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, National Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and the Social Democratic Party.
The access code is an essential component of INEC’s electronic nomination process, enabling authorised political parties to securely upload the names and particulars of candidates who emerge from their respective primary elections.
Haruna explained that the responsibility for collecting the access codes lies solely with the participating political parties, stressing that the commission does not distribute the codes to party offices on its own initiative.
According to him, each political party is expected to approach INEC through its authorised representatives to obtain the code whenever it is ready to commence the candidate nomination process.
He further clarified that individuals seeking to collect the access code on behalf of a political party must present a formal letter of authorisation issued by the party’s leadership.
The requirement, he noted, is part of measures designed to safeguard the integrity of the nomination process and ensure that only duly authorised officials can access the commission’s candidate nomination portal.
Haruna said the verification process helps prevent unauthorised access and reduces the possibility of disputes arising from the submission of candidates’ particulars.
INEC has, over the years, increasingly relied on technology to improve the transparency, efficiency and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The electronic candidate nomination portal allows political parties to upload the personal information and credentials of nominated candidates while enabling the commission to process submissions more efficiently than the traditional paper-based system.
Election observers have noted that the adoption of digital platforms has helped reduce administrative bottlenecks and strengthened accountability in the management of electoral processes.
The collection of access codes by the nine political parties comes as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although many parties are yet to conclude internal consultations and primary election processes, preparations have intensified across the political landscape as aspirants position themselves for various elective offices.
The 2027 general elections are expected to feature contests for the offices of President, members of the Senate, House of Representatives, governorship positions in eligible states, as well as state Houses of Assembly.
INEC has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive elections, while urging political parties to comply strictly with timelines and procedures outlined in the Electoral Act and the commission’s regulations.
The commission has also continued to engage political parties and other stakeholders on the importance of adhering to established guidelines throughout the electoral process, including candidate nominations, campaign activities and election conduct.
As preparations for the 2027 polls progress, the collection of access codes by participating political parties signals the commencement of another critical phase in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, with INEC maintaining that compliance with laid-down procedures remains essential to ensuring a smooth and credible election process.
