…Expresses concerns over pending cases in courts
By Lateef Ibrahim
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has disclosed that it will issue official access codes to all registered political parties in the country on Friday, 26th June, 2026, for the purpose of accessing the candidate nomination portal.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at second quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.
This is as Prof Amupitan equally expressed the concern of the Commission over several cases that are still pending in several courts, most of which still bother on leadership of the parties.
The commission, the Chairman pointed out, considered this as an unnecessary distraction and wish all the issues are resolved without further delay.
These access codes, Amupitan explained, will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.
The INEC Chairman urged political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines.
The portal, he added, is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period.
In the words of Amupitan, “Accordingly, on Friday, 26th June, 2026, the Commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.
“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.
“I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines.
“The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period.
Another important component of our preparations for future elections is the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
“The Commission remains committed to expanding voter access and ensuring that all eligible citizens are afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and the data of every registered voters are protected”, he said.
Amupitan further declared that theCommission remains committed to expanding voter access and ensuring that all eligible citizens are afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and the data of every registered voters are protected.
His words, ‘I therefore wish to reiterate that the current phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise provides an important opportunity for eligible Nigerians who have attained the age of eighteen years, as well as voters seeking transfers, corrections or updates of their records, to register and regularise their voter information.
“As political parties with structures in every ward and community across the country, I urge you to intensify voter education and mobilisation efforts so that eligible citizens take advantage of this opportunity and subsequently collect their Permanent Voter Cards.
“Leaders of political parties, the credibility of elections depends on our collective commitment to the rule of law, democratic values and the integrity of the electoral process.
“On its part, the Commission remains independent, impartial in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities and firmly committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the will of the Nigerian people is faithfully reflected in electoral outcomes.
“We shall continue to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, while ensuring strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines.
“The success of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on the preparedness of the Commission but also on the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence and hate speech, vote buying and promote issue-based campaigns”, he said.
