APC, PDP Complete Candidate Upload, Inec extends Deadline

The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have completed the upload of their presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Candidate Nomination Portal, while INEC has extended the submission deadline for political parties to July 14 after receiving requests for more time.

The electoral commission announced the extension on Sunday through a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna. INEC explained that the decision followed an appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council on behalf of political parties that could not complete the submission of their candidates before the original deadline of July 11.

According to the commission, the extension moves the deadline to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. INEC said the decision was made within the provisions of the law and would allow political parties enough time to complete the upload of their candidates’ names and personal details before the new closing date.

Before the announcement, the APC had already confirmed that it completed the upload of all its candidates. The party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, announced that the exercise had been concluded successfully and said the party would now focus on mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party submitted the names of 471 candidates, including its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates.

The Peoples Democratic Party also announced that it had completed the upload of its presidential candidate, running mate and National Assembly candidates. PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the completion of the exercise as another step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections. The announcement received the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Following the extension, the APC criticised opposition parties that failed to meet the original deadline. The party said the inability of some parties to complete their internal nomination process before the initial closing date showed weaknesses in their organisation and raised concerns about their readiness for the next general election.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC argued that parties with fewer candidates should have been able to meet the deadline without seeking additional time. It also said it was ironic that some opposition parties, which had previously accused the APC of influencing INEC, later relied on the commission’s decision to extend the deadline after failing to complete their submissions.

The ruling party added that it had fulfilled all requirements before the original deadline and did not seek any extension. According to the APC, completing the upload of its presidential, vice-presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates showed its ability to organise its internal affairs and comply with electoral guidelines.

The party called on its leaders, members and supporters across the country to continue strengthening party structures, expand grassroots mobilisation and prepare for campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.