Political parties across the country are making final moves to conclude their presidential primaries ahead of the deadline fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general election.
So far, six parties have officially produced presidential candidates, while others are expected to complete their nomination processes before the May 30 deadline.
Among the candidates already confirmed are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Cross River State governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has also produced former Cross River State governor Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is also expected to formally endorse former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as its flag bearer, as he remains the sole aspirant seeking the party’s ticket.
Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the Accord Party could endorse either Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde or businessman Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim before the close of primaries.
INEC had directed all political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries for presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
The process, however, has generated controversy in several parties amid allegations of manipulation, irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Some aggrieved politicians are also reported to have distanced themselves from their parties over dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu, and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege are among notable figures linked to grievances arising from the exercises.
President Tinubu secured the APC presidential ticket after polling 10.9 million votes in the party’s nationwide primary conducted across 8,809 wards.
His only challenger, Stanley Osifo, polled 16,504 votes and later congratulated the president after the exercise.
In the ADC primary, Atiku defeated former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to emerge the party’s presidential candidate.
The party disclosed that out of more than 3.1 million registered members, about 2.5 million participated in the exercise.
Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen scored 177,120 votes.
The outcome of the ADC primary has continued to generate reactions following allegations of irregularities raised by some aspirants.
ADC chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan said the party had established internal mechanisms, including an appeal committee, to address complaints arising from the primary.
“There is an appeal committee after the primary election. Those with concerns can present their grievances there,” he said.
Former Cross River State governor Donald Duke also emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party after defeating Kingsley Yakubu and Nnaoke Ufere during the party’s primary election in Abuja.
PRP National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described the exercise as credible and transparent.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was equally returned as the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress during the party’s convention in Abuja.
Sowore described the AAC as the only genuine opposition party in Nigeria and pledged to continue championing democratic reforms and accountability.
The Social Democratic Party also retained Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate during its national convention in Bauchi.
Adebayo said his ambition was driven by the need to address worsening hardship, unemployment and insecurity across the country.
Political realignments have also continued ahead of the elections.
Governor Seyi Makinde recently declared his intention to contest the presidency following an alliance between his PDP faction in Oyo State and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Under the arrangement, candidates loyal to the governor are expected to contest future elections on the platform of the APM.
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has also moved to the Accord Party and declared his intention to seek the presidency under the party’s platform.
According to him, more than one million supporters have already been mobilised into the Accord Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the deadline for primaries drawing closer, attention is now focused on how political parties will manage internal disputes, alliances and defections ahead of what is expected to be an intense contest for power in 2027.
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