Responding to enquiries, INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that several political parties had begun collecting their portal access codes since June 26 in line with the commission’s timetable
KaNo —
Fresh political tensions are emerging across Nigeria’s major parties following the opening of the candidate nomination portal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, with rival factions jostling for control of candidate submissions ahead of the deadline.
Investigations revealed that the activation of the portal and issuance of access codes to political parties have triggered internal crises, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where parallel leadership structures are laying claim to the authority to upload candidates.
At the centre of the PDP dispute are two rival factions,one aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and recognised by INEC, and another led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki.
Confirming the development in an interview, the PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said the party was complying with the electoral timetable and had begun the submission process.
“I can confirm that the PDP, under its recognised leadership, has received INEC’s access code and has commenced uploading candidates’ details. We have also received all necessary documentation required for the 2027 general elections. The process is ongoing and will be completed well before the deadline,” he stated.
Bature added that thwe party remained united under the recognised leadership and expressed confidence in its preparedness for the elections, noting that candidates across the country were already mobilising.
However, a contrasting position emerged from the rival faction led by Turaki, whose members claim they have yet to receive access to the portal but remain optimistic that ongoing legal battles would eventually swing in their favour.
A senior member of the faction, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the issue was not about immediate access to the portal but the final determination of the courts regarding the party’s leadership.
“To the best of my knowledge, we are yet to receive the access code. However, there are pending cases in court. What matters ultimately is the final judgment. INEC will have to comply with whatever the court decides,” the source said.
He accused the commission, under its chairman, Joash Amupitan, of failing to maintain neutrality in the lead-up to the elections.
“Our position is that history will judge this leadership of INEC as one of the most contentious before an election. There is a perception that opposition parties are not being treated fairly, and this raises concerns about the credibility of the process,” Ememobong said.
Despite the allegations, INEC has maintained that it is acting strictly in line with judicial pronouncements and will only recognise the leadership validated by the courts.
Responding to enquiries, INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that several political parties had begun collecting their portal access codes since June 26 in line with the commission’s timetable.
“Quite a number of political parties have collected their codes already. I know the SDP has collected. As for others, I may need to confirm, but the process is ongoing,” he said.
On the PDP crisis, Haruna stressed that the commission does not recognise factions but only the leadership affirmed by the courts.
“I don’t know about any faction. It is the one the court said we should recognise that we recognise. The Supreme Court’s position is what we follow,” he added.
The PDP leadership crisis stems from a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 30, which invalidated the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
The convention had produced the Turaki-led leadership, backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Since then, both factions have operated parallel structures, each organising party activities, including the sale of nomination forms to aspirants.
While the INEC-recognised leadership, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, conducted its processes under the commission’s supervision, the Turaki faction also issued forms independently, despite lacking formal recognition.
According to INEC’s timetable, political parties were scheduled to receive portal access codes for candidate uploads on June 26, with a submission deadline fixed for July 18, intensifying the urgency for parties to resolve internal disputes.
The PDP is not alone in grappling with pre-election challenges, as other opposition parties are also navigating legal and organisational hurdles ahead of the polls.
NDC Files Notice Of Appeal
The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), for instance, confirmed on Monday that it had filed a notice of appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed that its legal team had successfully filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State, and would soon serve INEC with the necessary documents.
“Yes, we succeeded in filing the appeal today. Our legal team was in Lokoja, and we will be serving INEC very soon,” he said.
Director dismissed reports suggesting that the party had been deregistered, insisting that it remained a legally recognised political platform.
He also clarified that the legal dispute centred on the party’s logo rather than its registration status, faulting media reports that suggested otherwise.
“The case only challenged the use of our logo. It does not amount to deregistration. We appreciate the support of our members and Nigerians who have stood by us,” he added.
The appeal follows a series of high-level consultations within the party involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso; National Leader, Seriake Dickson; and members of its National Working Committee.
Political analysts warn that unresolved internal disputes within parties could undermine preparations for the 2027 elections, particularly as the portal for candidate submissions opens.
