2027 Polls: INEC Trains Political Parties on Candidate Nomination Portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day training programme for officials of political parties on the use of its Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The training, which began on Wednesday at The Electoral Institute (TEI) and will run until June 26, is aimed at equipping party officials responsible for the nomination and electronic submission of candidates’ documents with the necessary skills to ensure a seamless nomination process.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Bayode Lawrence, represented by the Deputy Director, IT, Mrs Anthonia Idemudia, said the exercise was in line with INEC’s commitment to preparing stakeholders adequately for electoral activities.

She explained that the programme was designed to familiarise political party officials with the procedures and requirements for uploading documents of candidates nominated to contest elections on their parties’ platforms in 2027.

According to her, the training is particularly beneficial to officials participating in the nomination process for the first time, as it will help minimise avoidable mistakes and ensure a smooth exercise.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaint Committee (LSC&CC), Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, the Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Ibrahim Sani, described candidate nomination as one of the most critical stages of the electoral process.

He noted that elections cannot take place without properly nominated candidates and urged political parties to familiarise themselves with all legal and procedural requirements governing nominations.

“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,” he said.

Prof. Sani explained that the Electoral Act 2026 places the responsibility on political parties to submit details of their candidates within stipulated timelines and through approved channels.

He added that INEC had already released its timetable and schedule of activities, with candidate nomination expected to commence on June 27, 2026, making the training both timely and necessary.

The acting TEI Director-General stressed that strict compliance with nomination guidelines would help reduce disputes, promote certainty and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.

“Compliance at the nomination stage contributes significantly to reducing disputes, enhancing certainty, and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. The success of the 2027 General Election begins with adequate preparation, and this training is an important part of that preparation,” he stated.

Also addressing participants, the Director of Legal Drafting and Compliance, Mrs Rakiya Na’Uzo Adamu, said the programme was structured to educate political parties on the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates under the Electoral Act 2026.

She said the training would address challenges experienced during previous nomination exercises, reduce errors in the completion of nomination forms and improve compliance with electoral regulations.

Following the opening session, participants were divided into breakout groups where members of the Legal Drafting and Compliance team provided detailed guidance on nomination procedures and clarified issues relating to the submission of candidates’ information through the portal.

INEC said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that political parties comply with established guidelines and avoid mistakes that could affect the eligibility of candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election.