The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that nine political parties have collected access codes to upload their candidates’ particulars for the 2027 general elections, marking a key step in the electoral preparation process. The announcement was made by INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Malam Haruna, during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He stated that as of the close of work on Monday, only nine parties had successfully obtained the necessary codes to begin the candidate nomination process. This development comes as part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and compliance in the lead-up to the next general elections.
The political parties that have collected their access codes include the Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), National Democratic Party (NDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). These parties are now authorized to begin uploading the details of their nominated candidates into INEC’s official nomination portal. The commission emphasized that the process is strictly regulated and must be carried out in accordance with established guidelines to prevent fraud and ensure fairness.
INEC has made it clear that political parties must personally visit the commission’s headquarters to collect their access codes, rather than having the codes delivered to party secretariats. This measure is intended to enhance security and accountability in the nomination process. Additionally, Haruna stressed that any individual collecting the code on behalf of a party must present a formal authorization letter signed by the party’s leadership. This requirement underscores INEC’s commitment to preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that only legitimate party representatives handle sensitive electoral data.
The commission has also issued comprehensive guidelines for candidate nomination, urging all political parties to strictly follow the procedures outlined. These guidelines cover aspects such as eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the timeline for submission. INEC’s proactive approach aims to streamline the nomination process and reduce potential bottlenecks or disputes. By enforcing clear rules and procedures, the commission hopes to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, INEC’s actions reflect its determination to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election. The collection of access codes by nine parties is a significant milestone, signaling the formal commencement of the candidate nomination phase. Other political parties are expected to follow suit in the coming days, as the electoral body continues to monitor and support the process. This early phase sets the foundation for a well-organized election, and INEC’s strict adherence to protocol is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring electoral integrity across Nigeria.
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