The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly issued access codes to nearly all registered political parties, enabling them to upload their candidates' credentials to the nomination portal. However, as of Tuesday, June 31, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) remained the only party excluded from receiving this code.
INEC Grants NDC Access Despite Court Ruling
According to Daily Trust, a senior INEC official disclosed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was granted access despite an ongoing court judgment involving the party. The electoral body took judicial notice of the appeal against the court ruling and the party's application for a stay of execution. The official stated that these were not sufficient grounds to deny the NDC access to the portal while the suit remains before the court.
“By the way, I’ve just confirmed that all but NNPP have collected their code,” the official said, emphasizing that the decision was made without prejudice to the determination of the matter.
What Is the Access Code?
The access code allows political parties to upload their candidates' particulars to the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), in line with the electoral body's timetable for the 2027 elections. INEC maintained that granting the NDC access did not affect the outcome of the pending court case.
Public Reactions to NNPP's Exclusion
The development has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Hon Josiah Ehuchie commended INEC, saying, “You are right give all the opportunity to test their acceptance before the electorate!” Daniel Amos called on INEC to publish the credentials of all candidates publicly. Ibrahim Umar alleged the decision was influenced by a former governor of the party, stating, “The handiwork of the only governor who won under the same platform.” Aminu Dalhat remarked, “Kwankwaso was NNPP and without Kwankwaso there is no NNPP.”
Atiku Criticizes Court Decision on NDC
Legit.ng earlier reported that Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democracy through plans to deregister the opposition party NDC. The former vice president warned of a potential shift towards a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that diminishing political competition threatens Nigeria's national stability and governance.
