Political parties across Nigeria are intensifying preparations as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approaches its July 11, 2026 deadline for the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The electoral commission has fixed 6:00 p.m. on July 11 as the final deadline for parties to upload the nomination forms of their candidates through its online nomination portal.
INEC Timetable for Candidate Submissions
According to INEC's election timetable, the submission process for presidential and National Assembly candidates began on June 27, 2026.
The exercise includes the submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A to EC9E, in compliance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
For governorship and State House of Assembly candidates, submissions will commence on July 18 and close on August 8, 2026.
INEC also announced that the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates will be published on August 1, while governorship and state assembly candidates will be published on August 29.
Major Parties Unveil Running Mates
Several leading political parties have already announced their presidential tickets ahead of the deadline.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) unveiled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate alongside former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) confirmed Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso selected as his running mate.
However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has yet to officially announce his running mate, despite widespread speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima may retain the position.
Attention on Tinubu's Running Mate Decision
Tinubu's choice of running mate remains one of the most closely watched developments ahead of the election.
Political observers have continued to speculate on whether the APC will maintain the Tinubu-Shettima ticket that secured victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Reports of political tensions between the President and Vice President had previously fueled uncertainty regarding the composition of the APC ticket.
Nevertheless, party officials have consistently maintained that the decision rests solely with the President.
Possibility of a Placeholder Candidate
Analysts note that the APC could adopt a strategy similar to the one used before the 2023 election by submitting a placeholder vice-presidential candidate before naming a substantive running mate later.
The electoral timetable allows political parties to withdraw and replace presidential and National Assembly candidates up until August 22, 2026.
This provision gives parties flexibility to make adjustments after meeting the initial nomination deadline.
APC Reports Progress in Uploading Candidates
Sources within the APC disclosed that significant progress has already been made in uploading candidate information to INEC's portal.
According to party insiders, nomination details for numerous House of Representatives candidates, principal officers of the National Assembly, and several prominent lawmakers have already been submitted.
The party has also reportedly uploaded senatorial nomination forms for several high-profile candidates, including:
- AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara State Governor)
- Hope Uzodimma (Imo State Governor)
- Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State Governor)
Party officials expressed confidence that all remaining submissions, including the presidential ticket, will be completed before the deadline.
ADC and NDC Confirm Submission
Both the ADC and NDC have confirmed that they have already uploaded the names of their presidential candidates and running mates to INEC's nomination portal.
Party representatives stated that the submission process was completed successfully and within the commission's stipulated timeframe.
This places both parties ahead in meeting the critical requirements of the electoral timetable.
PDP Advances Candidate Upload Process
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also reported substantial progress in uploading its candidates.
According to PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, approximately 60 percent of the party's National Assembly candidates have already been uploaded to the INEC portal.
He explained that delays affecting some candidates were largely due to late submission of required documents.
Despite the challenges, the PDP expressed confidence that the process would be completed before the deadline.
Race Against Time Continues
With only days remaining before the July 11 deadline, political parties are expected to intensify consultations and administrative efforts to ensure compliance with INEC regulations.
The successful submission of candidate nominations represents a crucial milestone in Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 general elections.
As parties finalize their tickets and electoral strategies, attention will remain focused on outstanding decisions, particularly the choice of running mates by parties that have yet to complete their presidential lineups.
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