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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to commence preparations for the monitoring of political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive was conveyed 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.”
According to the commission, political parties are expected to conduct primaries for the nomination of candidates for presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections within the approved period.
INEC said the monitoring exercise would be carried out in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the 1999 Constitution as amended, and the commission’s regulations and guidelines.
The letter, addressed to all RECs, instructed them to make the necessary arrangements for effective monitoring of the exercises in their respective states and the FCT.
“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 stated.
It 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.”
Attached to the letter was a timetable submitted by 19 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
INEC, however, noted that the timetable and schedule of activities may be reviewed or updated from time to time as may become necessary.
