The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that the party has uploaded the name of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving the party, which said it has already filed an appeal against a recent court judgment and has also sought a stay of execution pending the determination of the case.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party leader disclosed that the appeal and application for a stay of execution had been served on the Chairman of INEC and the electoral commission, expressing confidence that the legal process would not prevent the party from meeting the electoral timetable.
According to the statement, the NDC has been granted access to the INEC nomination portal, enabling it to begin uploading the names of its candidates for the various elective positions ahead of the deadlines set by the commission.
The party said the process had already begun with the submission of the names of its presidential candidate and the party leader.
“My name and that of the presidential candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the vice-presidential candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates,” the statement read.
The NDC maintained that it remains a legally registered political party and has fully participated in all stages of the electoral process conducted so far.
According to the party, its primary elections were conducted in line with the Electoral Act and under the observation and monitoring of INEC officials.
It added that the emergence of candidates for all elective offices had been completed, while the remaining task was the administrative process of transmitting their names to the electoral commission through the official nomination portal.
The party also drew attention to the timelines released by INEC for the submission of candidates, saying it remains committed to complying with all requirements before the deadlines expire.
According to the statement, political parties have until July 11 to upload the names of their candidates for the National Assembly elections, while the deadline for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates is July 17.
The National Leader urged party members and supporters across the country not to be worried by the ongoing court proceedings, insisting there was sufficient time to complete the nomination process.
He assured members that the party remained focused on meeting every requirement laid down by the electoral commission despite the legal challenge.
The statement also acknowledged that disagreements emerged during the conduct of the party’s primary elections, a situation common in many political parties after the selection of candidates.
However, the party said reconciliation efforts had already begun to heal divisions and unite aspirants, delegates and stakeholders ahead of the electioneering campaign.
According to the NDC, all aggrieved aspirants would be carried along in the affairs of the party and given opportunities to contribute to its electoral success.
It assured unsuccessful contestants that they would be accommodated in campaign councils, advisory committees and other structures established to mobilise support across the country.
The party described those who participated in the primaries as an important part of its grassroots strength and pledged to ensure that no member was left behind because of the outcome of the nomination process.
The National Leader congratulated all candidates who emerged from the party’s primaries, as well as members and supporters who participated in the exercise.
He also called for the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, saying political parties should be allowed to operate freely within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The statement commended INEC for what it described as professionalism in handling the party’s registration and other electoral processes.
It urged the electoral commission to continue acting impartially as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
The party also appealed to the judiciary to ensure that all pending cases are determined strictly in accordance with the law.
It further called on security agencies to remain neutral and provide a level playing field for all political parties throughout the electoral process.
According to the NDC, the appeal and accompanying applications now before the courts will allow the judiciary to resolve the issues in line with constitutional provisions.
The party expressed confidence that the legal process would strengthen democracy and provide clarity on the issues in dispute.
Peter Obi remains one of Nigeria’s prominent opposition politicians following his strong showing in the 2023 presidential election. Since then, his political future has remained the subject of public interest, with supporters closely watching developments ahead of the next general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has repeatedly emphasised that political parties must strictly comply with the timetable and guidelines for the nomination of candidates. The commission has also maintained that submissions must be made electronically through its dedicated nomination portal within the deadlines announced for each category of election.
The electronic portal forms a key part of INEC’s nomination process, allowing political parties to upload the names and credentials of candidates for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state legislative elections. Failure to meet the stipulated deadlines could affect a party’s participation in the affected elections.