APC PDP Complete INEC Uploads for 2027 candidates as the electoral body extends the submission deadline to July 14
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have confirmed the successful upload of their presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: APC Slams Opposition Over Missed INEC Candidate Deadline
The confirmation came in Abuja on Sunday, 12 July 2026, as INEC extended the submission deadline by three days to allow political parties that had not completed the process to finalise their candidates’ details.
INEC announced that the deadline, originally set for Saturday, 11 July 2026, had been moved to midnight on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, following an appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of parties experiencing difficulties completing their uploads.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the extension was designed to promote inclusiveness while remaining within the legal framework governing the electoral process.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties,” the commission said.
The APC said it completed the upload of 471 candidates, including its presidential and vice-presidential nominees, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates.
APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda congratulated the party’s candidates, leaders and members after the completion of the process, saying the party would now focus on campaign preparations.
“With this milestone achieved, our focus now shifts to mobilisation and preparations for a successful campaign and decisive victory at the polls,” Yilwatda said.
The PDP also confirmed that it had submitted the details of its presidential candidate, running mate and National Assembly candidates before the revised deadline.
PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed described the completion of the exercise as another important achievement for the opposition party as it prepares for the 2027 election.
“I am pleased to inform all PDP members and Nigerians that our great party, under my leadership, has successfully uploaded the names of our presidential candidate, his running mate, and our National Assembly candidates onto the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal,” Mohammed said.
The deadline extension, however, triggered political exchanges between the APC and opposition parties.
The ruling party criticised parties that failed to meet the initial deadline, arguing that the delay raised questions about their internal organisation and preparedness for governance.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the development reflected what he described as weaknesses in opposition party structures, while insisting that the ruling party had demonstrated stronger organisational capacity.
“Political parties that cannot efficiently conclude their own internal nomination processes cannot possibly be trusted by Nigerians to possess the competence, discipline, or readiness to govern our great nation,” Morka said.
The APC also accused opposition parties of inconsistency, recalling previous allegations that the ruling party influenced INEC decisions.
The party argued that seeking an extension from the same electoral body contradicted those claims.
Political observers note that the candidate submission process represents one of the earliest major stages in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, as parties begin consolidating their structures ahead of the 2027 contest.
While compliance with INEC deadlines demonstrates administrative preparedness, the wider election battle is expected to centre on issues such as economic performance, security, governance and public confidence.
Also read: APC Slams Opposition Over Missed INEC Candidate Deadline
With the revised deadline still open, affected parties now have additional time to complete outstanding submissions as INEC continues preparations for the next general elections.
