As the clock ticked toward the final deadline for political parties to submit their candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 general election, a flurry of last-minute activity, legal battles and internal party disputes underscored the high-stakes contest already taking shape ahead of the polls.
While most registered political parties beat the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a handful of parties were still battling organisational and leadership challenges that delayed the submission of their presidential tickets, raising fresh questions about their readiness for the country’s next electoral cycle.
Sources within INEC disclosed that, as the nomination portal approached closure, only a few parties had yet to complete the upload of their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The affected parties included the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Labour Party faction associated with former Minister of Finance Nenadi Usman.
According to an electoral official familiar with the process, nearly every other registered political party had successfully transmitted the names and credentials of their candidates before the deadline expired.
The development followed INEC’s decision to grant political parties additional time after several appeals for an extension. The commission had initially fixed an earlier deadline but later shifted it, insisting that the new date would be final and that no further extension would be entertained.
The extension appeared to have benefited major political parties, many of which used the extra window to conclude internal nomination processes and resolve logistical challenges associated with candidate submissions.
Major Opposition Figures Secure Spots on INEC Portal
By the close of submissions, key opposition figures had successfully secured their places in the race, signalling the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested elections in recent Nigerian history.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) formally submitted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as its presidential ticket, paving the way for the duo to seek another mandate.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also completed its submission process, uploading former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) entered the race with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential flag bearer and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate.
However, INEC sources revealed that not all parties completed their nominations in the same manner. Some reportedly uploaded only the names of their presidential candidates while leaving the vice-presidential slot vacant pending further consultations.
Confusion Persists Over Legislative Candidates
Beyond the presidential contest, uncertainty lingered in several states over National Assembly nominations.
Political stakeholders in Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara states were still awaiting clarity on the identities of some Senate and House of Representatives candidates eventually transmitted to the INEC portal.
The confusion reflects the broader internal struggles affecting many parties as they attempt to balance competing interests, settle grievances and position loyalists ahead of the general election.
ADC Leadership Crisis Casts Shadow Over Candidate Submissions
One of the most closely watched developments involved the African Democratic Congress, where a lingering leadership dispute threatened to overshadow the party’s preparations.
Concerns emerged after the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment affirming an earlier ruling that restrained INEC from recognising congresses conducted by a faction of the party.
The judgment immediately sparked speculation over whether candidates submitted by the ADC would eventually be recognised by the electoral commission.
Yet, despite the court ruling, checks on INEC’s portal showed no immediate alteration to the party’s leadership structure. Former Senate President David Mark continued to appear as the recognised National Chairman of the ADC, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola remained listed as National Secretary.
The continued recognition of the current leadership has fuelled debate among political observers over the practical impact of the court decision and whether further legal battles could emerge before the election.
Forgery Claims Deepen ADC Controversy
Adding another layer of controversy, the ADC called for the arrest and prosecution of a former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, over allegations that he falsely claimed to have gained access to INEC’s nomination portal and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party.
The party’s leadership welcomed INEC’s clarification dismissing the claim and describing the document circulated by Gombe as forged.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi argued that the alleged forgery represented a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly.
According to the party, allowing such actions to go unchecked could undermine public trust in the electoral system at a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
NDC Pushes Ahead Despite Legal Hurdles
The Nigeria Democratic Congress also faced legal complications but moved swiftly to secure its participation in the electoral process.
National leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, announced that the party had successfully obtained access to INEC’s nomination portal and uploaded its candidates despite ongoing court-related challenges.
Dickson disclosed that the party had already filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution in response to a recent court ruling affecting its status, a move aimed at preventing disruptions to its electoral plans.
Wike-Aligned PDP Faction Claims Compliance
Meanwhile, the faction of the PDP loyal to Nyesom Wike maintained that it had fulfilled all requirements for participation in the election.
Its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, announced that the faction successfully submitted the names of its presidential candidate, running mate and National Assembly candidates before the deadline.
The declaration was seen as an attempt to reassure supporters that the group remains determined to contest the 2027 elections despite the broader leadership crisis within the PDP.
Accord Party Candidate Awaits Court Verdict
While several parties celebrated successful submissions, uncertainty continued to surround the Accord Party.
A legal dispute involving businessman and politician Olawepo Gbenga-Hashim remained unresolved after a court adjourned proceedings until Wednesday.
Gbenga-Hashim insists he emerged as the sole aspirant and winner of the party’s presidential primary and is asking the court to compel the Accord Party to forward his name to INEC.
He alternatively seeks an order directing the conduct of a fresh primary election if the court declines to affirm his candidacy.
The outcome of the case is expected to determine not only the party’s presidential flag bearer but also whether it will be fully represented in the 2027 contest.
Countdown to 2027 Begins
With the submission window now closed, attention is shifting from nominations to verification, legal scrutiny and the inevitable political battles ahead.
INEC is expected to begin reviewing the submitted credentials and nominations in accordance with the Electoral Act, while courts may continue to play a decisive role in resolving disputes arising from party primaries and leadership tussles.
For political parties, the deadline may have passed, but the struggle for legitimacy, recognition and electoral advantage is only just beginning. As Nigeria moves closer to 2027, the early signs suggest that the road to the presidency will be shaped as much by courtroom battles and party intrigues as by campaign rallies and voter outreach.
.webp)
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!