NDC accuses INEC of blocking candidate nomination portal access ahead of 2027 polls

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of denying it access to the electronic portal required for submitting the names of its candidates for the 2027 general election, alleging that the commission failed to provide the access code needed to complete the mandatory nomination process.

The allegation comes amid the party's legal battle over a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that nullified an earlier ruling which had recognised the NDC as a registered political party.

Speaking on behalf of the party, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said NDC officials approached INEC to obtain the credentials required to upload candidates' details onto the commission's nomination portal but were unable to secure the access code.

According to him, party representatives were told by INEC officials that the commission would "get back" to them, a response he said prevented the NDC from completing the nomination exercise before the court delivered its ruling.

"We approached INEC to collect the access code to upload the names of our candidates to the INEC portal. They told us that they will get back to us," he said.

The spokesman maintained that the party fulfilled its obligations by approaching the electoral commission within the required period, arguing that its inability to complete the online submission was caused by circumstances beyond its control.

He insisted that the delay should not be interpreted as non-compliance with electoral guidelines, saying the nomination process could not proceed without the official credentials issued by the commission.

The latest dispute follows the Federal High Court's decision ordering the deregistration of the NDC, a judgment the party has vowed to challenge through the appellate courts.

Director said the party would return to INEC to make another request for the portal access code while simultaneously seeking a stay of execution of the court judgment.

"We will go back there by tomorrow. I believe by tomorrow we must have filed a stay of execution in court," he said.

The NDC maintains that it remains entitled to continue its political activities pending the outcome of its appeal.

Political meetings amid legal uncertainty

The controversy coincided with a meeting between the party's National Leader, Seriake Dickson, and its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Abuja.

Confirming the meeting on social media, Dickson said they discussed issues affecting the party and reaffirmed their commitment to defending Nigeria's multiparty democracy.

According to him, the party leadership had resolved to challenge what it described as distractions arising from the Federal High Court ruling.

Ondo chapter rejects court judgment

The Ondo State chapter of the NDC also rejected the Lokoja court decision, arguing that the trial court had exhausted its jurisdiction after delivering its original judgment in December 2025.

State chairman Kennedy Peretei said the party had since operated lawfully by conducting congresses, holding a national convention, participating in electoral activities and nominating candidates in accordance with INEC guidelines.

He expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the judgment.

INEC yet to respond

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the NDC's allegation that it withheld the access code required for uploading candidates' details to its nomination portal.

The commission has previously maintained that access to its electronic nomination platform is governed by established legal and administrative procedures.