Post-Primary Crisis Deepens as INEC Fixes Candidates’ Submission Deadline
Post-Primary Crisis Deepens as INEC Fixes Candidates’ Submission Deadline
Political tension is mounting across party lines following the announcement of key dates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of candidates ahead of upcoming elections.
According to the timetable, political parties will gain access to the INEC portal for the upload of candidates on June 26, 2026, while the final deadline for the submission of candidates is July 11, 2026.
The development comes at a time when several parties are still grappling with controversies arising from their primary elections. In many states, aggrieved aspirants and party members have continued to allege irregularities, manipulation of results, and the replacement of duly elected winners with preferred candidates.
Within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), concerns have intensified over allegations that some candidates who emerged victorious during party primaries were allegedly substituted with individuals who did not win the contests.
Responding to the growing outcry, Lagos APC leadership reportedly assured party members that all complaints and documented evidence would be carefully reviewed. The party pledged to investigate allegations of “exchanging winners with losers” and take appropriate action where necessary.
Political observers believe the period between the opening of the INEC portal and the submission deadline will be crucial, as affected aspirants continue to push for justice and recognition of primary election outcomes.
With legal battles, internal party disputes, and negotiations expected to intensify in the coming weeks, attention is now focused on how political parties will resolve lingering disagreements before the July 11 deadline.
As the clock ticks, stakeholders are urging party leaders to uphold transparency, fairness, and internal democracy in order to avoid further crises that could threaten party unity and electoral credibility.
