The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to prepare for the monitoring of political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive was contained in a letter dated May 11, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran Anthony.
The letter was titled “Notice of Political Party Primaries Ahead of the 2027 General Elections.”
According to the timetable attached to the letter, 19 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party and Nigeria Democratic Congress, submitted their schedules of activities to INEC in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
In the letter sent to all Resident Electoral Commissioners, INEC said: “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 added: “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 reviewed where necessary.
