What’s Next After Political Parties Submit Their 2027 Presidential Candidates?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the phase of the 2027 election cycle that required political parties to conduct and complete their primary elections for the nomination of candidates.

Under the 2027 election timetable released by INEC, political parties were expected to conclude their primaries by 30 May 2026. In compliance with the timetable, most political parties have now selected their presidential candidates and other flag bearers for the 2027 general elections.

However, the completion of party primaries does not automatically settle all electoral issues. Several political parties are currently facing internal disputes, leadership battles, and legal challenges over the legitimacy of their candidates and party structures.

Among the major parties affected are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), where rival factions have produced separate candidates and continue to lay claim to party leadership.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing litigation surrounding parts of INEC’s 2027 election timetable. Although a Federal High Court had previously nullified aspects of the timetable, INEC appealed the ruling, and political parties have continued to operate according to the commission’s schedule while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.

With the primary election deadline now behind them, attention has shifted to the next stages of the electoral process and what political parties must do before campaigns officially begin.

Next Steps After Political Parties Have Named Their Candidates Submission of Candidate Nomination Forms

Following the conclusion of primaries, political parties are required to submit the details of their nominated candidates to INEC through a series of official nomination documents.

These include:

• Form EC9
• Form EC9A
• Form EC9B
• Form EC9C
• Form EC9D
• Form EC9E

The forms contain candidates’ personal particulars, educational qualifications, affidavits, and other information required by law.
According to the INEC timetable, political parties are expected to submit these nomination documents between 27 June and 8 August 2026, depending on the office being contested.

Verification and Review by INEC

After receiving the nomination forms, INEC will review the submissions to ensure compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements.
The commission will examine candidate qualifications, party nominations, and supporting documents before proceeding to the next stage.

Publication of Candidates’ Details

INEC will then publish the personal particulars and nomination information of candidates for public scrutiny.

This publication process is expected to take place between 1 August and 29 August 2026.
The publication period allows political parties, stakeholders, and members of the public to review candidate information and raise objections where necessary through legally recognised channels.

Resolution of Internal Party Disputes

Several political parties still have unresolved leadership and candidate disputes that may ultimately be decided by the courts or recognised by INEC based on existing judgments.

For instance:

• Rival factions within the PDP have announced different presidential candidates.
• The ADC continues to face disagreements between competing factions.
• The Labour Party and SDP are also dealing with leadership and candidate disputes.
  Until these matters are resolved, INEC and, where necessary, the courts will determine which faction and candidate are legally recognised.

Official Campaign Period Begins

Once candidate nominations have been processed and published, political parties will be permitted to commence official election campaigns.

Under the current timetable, campaign activities are expected to begin on 19 August 2026.
From that date, presidential candidates and their parties can legally hold rallies, advertise their programmes, engage voters, and begin nationwide campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

What This Means For Political Parties

Although the primary election stage has ended, the race to the 2027 presidency is far from over.
Political parties must now:

• Submit nomination documents to INEC.
• Resolve pending internal disputes.
• Comply with electoral regulations.
• Prepare campaign structures and strategies.
• Await INEC’s publication and verification process.

For parties currently battling internal crises, the coming months could prove decisive, as court rulings and INEC decisions may ultimately determine which candidates appear on the ballot.

With campaigns set to begin in August 2026, the focus now shifts from party primaries to candidate validation, legal challenges, and nationwide political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.