The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners in the 36 states and Abuja to make arrangements to monitor party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive is contained in a letter dated 11th May, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran Anthony, with the title “Notice of political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A timetable attached to the letter indicates that 19 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, People’s Democratic Party, Africa Democratic Party, Labour Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, among others, submitted their schedule of activities to the commission in line with the provisions of the 2026 electoral act

The letter addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners reads, “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.

“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, in line with the provisions of the Flectoral Act, 2026: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); as well as the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.

“Find attached the timetable and schedule of activities submitted by Political Parties. Kindly note that the timetable may be updated by the Commission from time to time as may become necessary. Please, accept the assurances of the Commission’s highest regards”. (The Nation)

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