15 Parties Meet INEC Deadline, Field Presidential Candidates for 2027 Poll
Chuks Okocha
Fifteen political parties have successfully met the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the conduct of presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, while uncertainty surrounds the participation of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which conducted its primary two days after the deadline.
INEC had directed all registered political parties to conduct their presidential primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, and submit the names of their candidates for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.Although some parties and political actors challenged INEC’s authority to determine the timing of internal party processes, most parties complied with the electoral body’s timetable and produced their candidates within the stipulated period.With the conclusion of the primaries, attention is now shifting from intra-party contests to the broader campaign season, which is expected to commence on August 19, 2026.
Among the major contenders, President Bola Tinubu emerged as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after defeating Stanley Osifo in the party’s direct primary held on May 23. Tinubu is seeking a second term in office on the platform of continued economic reforms, infrastructure development, improved security and job creation.Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secured the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after defeating former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary held on May 25. Atiku pledged to focus on economic revival, private-sector-led growth, restructuring, job creation and national unity.
