INEC Deadline Countdown: Three Parties Risk Missing Crucial Presidential Candidate Submission

With the clock ticking towards the closure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate nomination portal, fresh uncertainty emerged as three political parties were yet to upload the names of their presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

A senior INEC official, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, disclosed that the affected parties were the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party (LP).

According to the official, virtually all other registered political parties had successfully completed the process ahead of the midnight deadline.

“As of now, only about three political parties are yet to upload the names of their presidential and running mate candidates. They are APGA, the PDP (Wike faction) and the LP (Nenadi faction). Virtually every other party has filed its candidates,” the source said.

The development came despite INEC’s decision to extend the deadline from July 11 to July 14 following appeals from political parties. The electoral body had made it clear that no further extension would be granted.

While uncertainty surrounded the three parties, major contenders had already secured their spots on the commission’s portal. The ruling APC submitted President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for re-election, while the ADC uploaded Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also completed the submission of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, confusion persisted in some states over National Assembly nominations, with reports of disputes and uncertainty in Benue, Kwara and Nasarawa.

Adding to the drama, concerns were raised over whether INEC would recognise candidates submitted by the ADC following a Court of Appeal ruling linked to the party’s leadership tussle. However, checks showed that former Senate President David Mark remained listed on INEC’s portal as the party’s National Chairman, alongside other members of the current National Working Committee.

The ADC also demanded the arrest and prosecution of former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, after INEC dismissed claims that he had obtained access codes and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party. The commission described the documents circulated by Gombe as false and forged.

As political parties raced to beat the deadline, attention remained fixed on the INEC portal, where every upload could shape the battle for the 2027 presidency and determine which parties remain firmly in the race.