By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have successfully uploaded the names and particulars of their presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal. INEC announced the development on Sunday in Abuja while extending the submission deadline from July 11 to midnight on July 14, 2026, following requests from political parties that needed additional time to complete the process.
INEC Extends Submission Deadline
INEC said the extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that could not meet the original deadline.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the decision aligned with its commitment to an inclusive electoral process.
According to the commission, political parties should use the additional three days to complete the submission of candidates’ names and personal particulars before the new deadline expires.
APC Confirms Full Candidate Upload
Earlier on Sunday, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirmed that the ruling party had completed the upload of all its candidates.
Writing on his verified X account, Yilwatda congratulated party members for achieving a complete submission ahead of the deadline.
He said the APC had successfully uploaded the names of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates.
In total, the party uploaded 471 candidates to the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal.
Yilwatda added that the party would now focus on mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 election campaign.
APC Criticises Opposition Parties
Meanwhile, the APC criticised opposition parties that failed to meet the original deadline.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the ruling party said the delay exposed weaknesses in the opposition’s internal organisation.
The APC argued that parties unable to complete their nomination process on time could struggle to govern effectively.
According to the party, INEC acted within its legal powers by granting an extension. However, it stressed that the APC had already fulfilled all requirements before the deadline.
The party also accused opposition parties of hypocrisy.
It noted that some opposition parties had previously alleged that the APC controlled INEC. Yet, they later sought an extension from the same electoral body after missing the deadline.
The APC stated that its timely submission demonstrated discipline, organisational strength and respect for due process.
The party urged its leaders, stakeholders and supporters to remain focused as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
PDP Announces Successful Submission
Similarly, PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed confirmed that the party had completed the upload of its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates.
Describing the exercise as another milestone, Mohammed congratulated party members on meeting the electoral requirement.
He expressed confidence that the PDP remained prepared for the 2027 general elections.
Wike Backs PDP’s Submission
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also supported the PDP’s successful submission of candidates to the INEC portal.
The development positions the party among those that have completed the nomination process ahead of the revised deadline.
Political Parties Race Against New Deadline
With the deadline now set for midnight on Tuesday, July 14, political parties yet to complete their submissions have another opportunity to finalise the process.
INEC reiterated that the extension aims to ensure broader participation while maintaining compliance with the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections.
