BREAKING: INEC Confirms NDC, APC, PDP, ADC Others Have Access Codes for 2027 Candidates' Upload

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was denied access to its candidate nomination portal, confirming that the party, alongside other registered political parties, has been issued the required access codes for the upload of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A senior official of the electoral commission clarified that all eligible political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have been granted access to the online portal in line with the commission's election timetable.

The clarification follows allegations by some NDC officials that the party had been denied the access code needed to upload the names of its candidates, raising concerns over its participation in the forthcoming elections.

However, the INEC official described the claim as false and misleading, stressing that the commission has no reason to prevent any duly registered political party from participating in the nomination process.

"It is misinformation to suggest that the NDC was denied access code to upload its candidates to the INEC portal," the official said.

"The commission has no reason whatsoever to deny any registered political party access to the platform. I can confirm on good authority that the NDC was among the parties that received their access codes to upload the names of their candidates."

The controversy arose after an NDC official claimed the party approached INEC to obtain the access code but was told the commission would respond at a later time. The party had argued that any delay in uploading its candidates should not be blamed on its leadership.

INEC's latest clarification is expected to allay fears over the participation of political parties in the 2027 electoral process, as the commission continues preparations for the timely submission of candidates by all registered parties in accordance with the approved election timetable.If you'd like, I can also rewrite it in a more newspaper-style format similar to Punch, Daily Trust, or The Nation.