15 Parties Beat INEC Primaries Deadline as NDP’s Late Bid Throws 2027 Participation into Doubt

15 Parties Beat INEC Primaries Deadline as NDP’s Late Bid Throws 2027 Participation into Doubt

Fifteen political parties have successfully complied with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for the conduct of presidential primaries, submitting their candidates for the January 16, 2027, presidential election. However, uncertainty now surrounds the fate of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which held its primary two days after the cut-off date.

INEC had mandated all registered parties to conduct primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. With the process concluded, attention shifts to the campaign season officially commencing on August 19, 2026.

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Among major contenders, President Bola Tinubu secured the All-Progressives Congress (APC) ticket on May 23, defeating Stanley Osifo. He seeks a second term on a platform of economic reforms, infrastructure growth, improved security, and job creation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinched the African Democratic Congress (ADC) nomination on May 25, overcoming former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Atiku has pledged to focus on economic revival.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ratified former Anambra Governor Peter Obi as its candidate on May 29. Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, promised to boost electricity generation by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.

The Labour Party elected businessman Chibuzo Okereke on May 30, who pledged good governance, transparency, and youth inclusion.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emerged as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate the same day, promising economic expansion and infrastructure modernisation.

The African Action Congress (AAC) returned activist Omoyele Sowore after its May 26 primary in Abuja, where he vowed radical anti-corruption reforms and youth empowerment.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) submitted Adewole Adebayo following its May 9 primary in Bauchi, while the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) elected former Cross River Governor Donald Duke on May 26.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) remains divided. A faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced Senator Sandy Onor as its candidate, while another faction backing Kabiru Turaki declared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its flagbearer.

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) made history by electing actress Esther Okereke as its first female presidential candidate.

Other nominees include Aliyu Abbas (Action Democratic Party), Adekunle Rufai Omoaje (Action Alliance), Gbenga Hashim (Accord Party), Sunday Adenuga (BOOT Party), and Anita Zugwai-Chukwu (Young Progressives Party).

However, uncertainty trails the NDP after it announced Ada Fredrick as its presidential candidate on June 1 — two days past INEC’s deadline. The development raises questions about the party’s eligibility for the presidential poll.

A suit challenging INEC’s authority to impose primary timelines is still pending before the Court of Appeal. Addressing journalists in Abuja, NDP National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Emeka Wachuku, maintained that Fredrick emerged through a consensus affirmation process conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.