2027: NDC granted access to upload candidates on INEC portal – Dickson
NDC Granted Access to INEC Portal for Candidate Submissions
Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), announced Monday that the party has gained access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal for uploading the names of its qualified candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on X, Dickson revealed that the NDC has filed an appeal and a request for a stay of execution concerning a recent court ruling that impacts the party’s status. He indicated that these documents have been served to the INEC chairman and the commission, urging adherence to legal protocols.
The NDC leader reaffirmed the party’s legitimacy, emphasizing its participation in all electoral processes to date. He stated that the nomination exercises have been completed nationwide. “The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria,” Dickson said, adding that candidates for various offices have emerged from primaries overseen by INEC.
Dickson noted that the only remaining step is the administrative process of submitting candidates’ names. He confirmed that he has uploaded his name and that of the presidential candidate to the INEC portal, with the vice-presidential candidate’s name to be uploaded shortly. The process for other candidates is also in progress.
In accordance with INEC’s timetable, the NDC has until July 11 to submit National Assembly candidates and until July 17 for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates. “There is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC, and there is no reason for anyone to panic,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to all aspirants who took part in the party’s primaries, acknowledging the challenges faced during the process. Dickson announced that reconciliation efforts have begun to unite those who were not successful in the primaries, assuring that they would have roles in the party’s campaigns and committees.
“I congratulate all NDC candidates, members, and supporters of democracy,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of including all interested parties, as they form the backbone of the organization.
Additionally, Dickson underscored the necessity of protecting Nigeria’s democratic framework, cautioning against efforts to undermine the nation’s multi-party system. “Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow those posing as political leaders to dismantle our hard-earned democracy,” he asserted.
He commended INEC for its professionalism, particularly in adhering to court directives regarding the registration of the NDC and two other political parties, as well as its opposition to efforts aimed at deregistering certain opposition groups.
While acknowledging the flaws in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, Dickson called on political leaders to uphold the neutrality of the judiciary, INEC, and security agencies. He expressed confidence in the judiciary’s capacity to render a fair decision regarding the pending appeal, stating, “The ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.”
Dickson concluded the statement by reaffirming the NDC’s dedication to Nigeria’s democracy, declaring, “Long live the NDC. Long live Nigerian democracy.”
