INEC National Chairman, Prof. AmupitanÂ
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that only candidates who emerged from duly conducted and officially monitored party primaries will be recognised for the 2027 general elections.
The commission also maintained that it would not extend the deadline for the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates, insisting that political parties must comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act and its electoral guidelines.
INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this while giving an update on the ongoing submission of candidates through the commission’s nomination portal.
According to him, the commission’s portal is programmed to reject the names of candidates who did not emerge from party primaries monitored by INEC, stressing that the integrity of the nomination process would not be compromised.
“The portal will not accept names that are different from those who emerged from duly monitored primaries. Only candidates validly nominated in accordance with the Electoral Act and INEC regulations will be recognised,” Haruna said.
He explained that although some political parties experienced challenges during the submission process, the commission would only entertain requests for substitution where they strictly comply with the procedures outlined in the Electoral Act and the electoral timetable.
Haruna further clarified that while there is a legal window for the substitution of candidates, such requests would be subjected to careful scrutiny to ensure they are not used to circumvent the law or replace candidates who did not emerge through valid party primaries.
The INEC commissioner reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and lawful electoral process, assuring Nigerians that every political party would be treated fairly but in accordance with the law.
He emphasised that adherence to due process remains essential to preserving the credibility of the 2027 general elections and maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
