2027: NDC Alleges INEC Denied It Access Code for Candidates’ Nomination

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to provide the party with the access code required to upload the particulars of its candidates for the 2027 general election.

The allegation comes amid uncertainty surrounding the party’s legal status following a judgment of the Federal High Court directing INEC to deregister the NDC.

The court’s decision has raised questions over the party’s eligibility to participate in the forthcoming elections and whether it can complete the nomination of its candidates.

Speaking on the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, said party officials approached INEC to obtain the access credentials needed to access the commission’s online nomination portal.

According to him, officials of the electoral commission did not issue the code but instead informed the party that they would “get back” to it.

Director said the delay prevented the party from completing the mandatory upload of its candidates’ particulars before the court delivered its judgment ordering the party’s deregistration.

He suggested that the situation had effectively denied the NDC the opportunity to conclude its nomination process within the stipulated timeframe.

The development adds another layer of uncertainty to the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election, as it seeks clarity on both its legal status and its participation in the electoral process.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the NDC’s allegation or indicated whether the party would be granted access to the nomination portal in view of the court’s ruling.

The commission is expected to provide further clarification on the matter as preparations for the 2027 general election continue.