The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to begin preparations 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.
Titled “Notice of Political Party Primaries Ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the letter informed RECs that political parties have submitted their schedules of activities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the timetable attached to the notice, 19 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, have officially notified the commission of their proposed primary election activities.
INEC, in the letter addressed to all RECs, stated that the primaries for the nomination of candidates for the presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly elections would hold within the period approved by the commission.
“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 letter read in part.
The commission further directed the RECs to put necessary logistics and monitoring structures in place in line with the Electoral Act 2026, the 1999 Constitution as amended, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
INEC, however, noted that the schedules and timetables submitted by political parties remain subject to review where necessary.
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