Political parties preparing for next year’s general election have kicked off post-primary reconciliation efforts in a bid to put their houses in order.
They are activating conflict-resolution mechanisms as they await the release of access codes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of candidates’ names.
For the presidential and National Assembly elections, parties are expected to begin accessing the codes from 9 am on June 27. According to INEC, the process will end by 6 pm on July 11. Until then, there is a window of opportunity for the selection of running-mates and the substitution of flag-bearers.
The conclusion of the primaries at the weekend marked the end of three major activities on the election timetable. No fewer than four women presidential candidates will be on the ballot for the January 16, 2027, election.
They are Dr. Nkem Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Anita Zugwai-Chukwu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Ada Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP), and Onuoha Juliet of the Youth Party (YP).
Although almost all 22 political parties met the INEC deadline for conducting their primaries either through consensus or direct voting, major opposition parties emerged from the process more divided.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for re-election in a hitch-free direct primary that observers adjudged credible nationwide.
Also at the weekend, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi secured the presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which produced Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its candidate, was rejected by two other aspirants – former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
The guidelines also provide that parties wishing to substitute or withdraw candidates must do so by August 22 for the presidential election and by September 19 for governorship and House of Assembly elections.
The commission is expected to publish the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates on September 12. The final list of governorship and House of Assembly candidates will be published on October 10.
