2027 Elections: Political Parties Undergo INEC Training on Digital Candidate Submission

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day training programme for officials of political parties on the use of its electronic candidate nomination portal as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

The training, which opened in Abuja on Thursday, is aimed at equipping party officials with the knowledge and procedures required for the nomination and electronic submission of candidates documents through the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP).

Speaking at the opening session, INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Bayode Lawrence, said the exercise was designed to ensure political parties fully understand the nomination process and avoid common errors that could complicate the exercise.

Represented by the Deputy Director of ICT, Anthonia Idemudia, Lawrence said the commission considers the training critical to achieving a seamless and efficient nomination process.

According to him, proper understanding of the portal and its requirements will help political parties minimise avoidable mistakes and ensure smooth submission of candidates' details.

Also speaking, Chairperson of INEC's Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSC&CC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, described candidate nomination as one of the most important stages of the electoral process.

Represented by the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Ibrahim Sani, Agbamuche-Mbu said every election begins with the successful nomination of candidates, stressing that political parties must comply strictly with all legal and procedural requirements.

"Nomination of candidates remains one of the most critical stages of the electoral process. Indeed, it is the foundation upon which elections are conducted. Without duly nominated candidates, there can be no electoral contest," she said.

She noted that the Electoral Act places responsibility on political parties to submit details of their candidates within stipulated timelines and in approved formats, warning that failure to comply could create legal and procedural challenges.

Agbamuche-Mbu described the training as timely, coming shortly after the release of INEC's timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections.

She disclosed that candidate nomination is scheduled to commence on June 27, making it imperative for political parties to familiarise themselves with the electronic nomination system ahead of the exercise.

According to her, strict compliance with nomination guidelines will help reduce pre-election disputes, improve certainty in the electoral process and boost public confidence in the conduct of elections.

"Compliance at the nomination stage contributes significantly to reducing disputes, enhancing certainty, and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process," she said.

"The success of the 2027 general election begins with adequate preparation, and this training is an important part of that preparation."

The training forms part of INEC's broader efforts to strengthen electoral administration and ensure that political parties are fully prepared for the nomination process ahead of the next general election.