The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has started a two-day training for political party officials on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal, ICNP, as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
—Training targets a hitch-free nomination process—
The session, holding June 25-26 at The Electoral Institute, TEI, Abuja, is designed to equip party officials with the procedures for electronically submitting candidates’ documents.
Director of ICT, Dr. Bayode Lawrence, represented by Deputy Director IT Mrs. Anthonia Idemudia, said the exercise aligns with INEC’s practice of preparing stakeholders ahead of elections.
“The exercise was designed to bring political party officials up to speed with the processes and procedures required for uploading critical documents of candidates nominated to represent their respective parties in the 2027 General Election,” she said.
Idemudia added that the training is especially important for first-time officials to “reduce avoidable challenges and ensure a hitch-free nomination exercise.”
—“Nomination is the foundation of elections” – INEC—
Delivering the keynote for National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Acting DG of TEI Prof. Ibrahim Sani stressed that proper nomination underpins the entire electoral process.
“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 stated.
Prof. Sani said the Electoral Act 2026 mandates parties to submit candidate details within set timelines and approved formats. He noted INEC’s Timetable has nomination starting June 27, 2026, making the training timely.
“Compliance at the nomination stage contributes significantly to reducing disputes, enhancing certainty, and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process,” he added.
—Focus on compliance and fewer errors—
Director of Legal Drafting and Compliance, Mrs. Rakiya Na’Uzo Adamu, said the programme will train parties on the Electoral Act 2026 Guidelines for Candidate Nomination.
According to her, it should address past challenges, cut errors on nomination forms, and improve compliance.
After opening sessions, participants moved to breakout sessions where the Legal Drafting and Compliance team walked them through the Guidelines and practical aspects of the nomination process to clarify grey areas.
