Political Parties Race to Beat INEC Nomination Deadline as Court Rulings Reshape 2027 Race

Multiple political parties are scrambling to submit their candidate nominations before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline, following a series of Supreme Court judgements that have reshaped the leadership of the ADC, PDP, and NDC.

The 38-day primary window — which opened on April 23 — closes on May 30, giving parties just two days to finalise their flagbearer selections for the 2027 general elections.

Six Parties Pick Flagbearers

The All Progressives Congress wrapped up its primaries with President Tinubu securing 10.9 million votes against Stanley Osifo’s 16,504. The Peoples Democratic Party faction backing former President Goodluck Jonathan has convened a convention to ratify him as its sole candidate, while the National Democratic Coalition has affirmed Peter Obi as its presidential flagbearer.

The Peoples Redemption Party declared former Cross River Governor Donald Duke as its presidential candidate with 6,499 votes. The New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress are also finalising their candidate lists.

INEC Cannot Extend Deadline

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has reiterated that the commission cannot extend the statutory deadlines, warning parties that the online nomination portal opens on June 26 and closes on a date yet to be announced.

Key political figures who have switched parties during the primary season include Senator Kabiru Marafa, who defected to the NDC, and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who also joined the NDC after losing the APC Delta Central senatorial primary.

Former Communications Minister Isa Pantami and ex-Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu are among notable figures who have left their former parties in the run-up to the 2027 elections.

Sources: The Nation, Daily Trust, BusinessDay