The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a directive to all Resident Electoral Commissioners across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to gear up for monitoring political party primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
This instruction was communicated through a letter dated May 11, 2026, signed by the Commission Secretary, Rose Oriaran Anthony. The document, titled ‘Notice of Political Party Primaries Ahead of the 2027 General Elections’, outlines the next steps for the electoral body.
According to the attached timetable, a total of 19 political parties—including major players like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Nigeria Democratic Congress—have already submitted their activity schedules to INEC, in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.
In the correspondence addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners, INEC stated: ‘I write to notify all Resident Electoral Commissioners that Political Party Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 General Election are scheduled to hold within the period approved by the Commission.’
The commission further emphasized: ‘Accordingly, you are hereby requested to make the necessary arrangements for the monitoring of the primaries in your respective states and the Federal Capital Territory, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026; the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.’
INEC also noted that the timetable and schedules submitted by political parties may still be subject to review where necessary.