INEC July 11 Deadline: APC Yet to Name Tinubu’s Running Mate as ADC, NDC Submit Presidential Tickets

INEC July 11 Deadline: APC Yet to Name Tinubu’s Running Mate as ADC, NDC Submit Presidential Tickets

Description: INEC's July 11 nomination deadline draws closer as the APC delays announcing President Bola Tinubu's running mate, while ADC, NDC, and PDP race to complete candidate submissions for Nigeria's 2027 elections.

ABUJA, Nigeria — With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set to close the submission of presidential nomination forms by 6:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026, political parties are making last-minute moves to beat the deadline ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

The electoral body opened its online nomination portal on June 27, requiring political parties to submit Forms EC9 and EC9A–EC9E for their presidential and National Assembly candidates in accordance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

While most major parties have completed or nearly completed the process, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to officially unveil President Bola Tinubu's vice-presidential candidate, fueling fresh political speculation.

APC Yet to Announce Tinubu's Running Mate

Although reports indicate that Vice President Kashim Shettima remains the leading choice, the APC has not formally confirmed him as President Tinubu's running mate.

If Shettima is eventually retained, it will reaffirm the ruling party's decision to maintain the successful Tinubu-Shettima ticket that secured victory in the 2023 presidential election.

The delay comes after months of speculation over the future of the political partnership, with earlier reports suggesting internal discussions about replacing the Vice President before the 2027 election.

Despite the uncertainty, APC officials insist that the final decision rests solely with President Tinubu.

APC May Use Placeholder Running Mate Again

Political observers believe the APC could adopt the same strategy it used before the 2023 election by submitting a placeholder vice-presidential candidate before the July 11 deadline.

INEC's timetable allows political parties to withdraw or replace presidential candidates and running mates until August 22, 2026, making the option legally possible.

The same approach was used in 2022 when Ibrahim Masari temporarily served as Tinubu's vice-presidential nominee before stepping down for Kashim Shettima.

APC Uploads Key Candidates to INEC Portal

Highly placed APC sources confirmed that the party has already uploaded several National Assembly candidates, including the Senate nomination forms of:

- Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)

- Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)

- Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo)

Party officials say uploads are progressing smoothly, with principal officers of the National Assembly and several House of Representatives candidates already captured on INEC's online portal.

According to party insiders, President Tinubu's nomination and that of his running mate are expected to be among the final submissions before the July 11 deadline.

An APC source said the process has remained transparent, orderly, and completely hitch-free, expressing confidence that the party will fully comply with INEC's electoral timetable.

ADC and NDC Complete Presidential Nominations

Unlike the APC, other major opposition parties have already completed their presidential submissions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially submitted the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alongside his running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) confirmed the successful upload of Peter Obi and his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, to INEC's nomination portal.

Party leaders described the submission process as successful and completed within the stipulated timeline.

PDP Nears Completion of Candidate Upload

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also revealed that approximately 60 percent of its National Assembly candidates have already been uploaded to the INEC portal.

According to PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the remaining nominations are awaiting documentation from some candidates.

He disclosed that out of 100 senatorial candidates and 360 House of Representatives candidates, only 169 entries remain pending.

Bature expressed confidence that the entire exercise would be completed before INEC's deadline, stressing that the party remains committed to meeting every electoral requirement.

INEC Releases Key Election Timetable

INEC has scheduled the publication of personal particulars for:

- Presidential and National Assembly candidates: August 1, 2026

- Governorship and State Assembly candidates: August 29, 2026

Submission of governorship and State House of Assembly nomination forms will begin on July 18 and close on August 8, 2026.

Political parties also have until:

- August 22, 2026 to replace presidential and National Assembly candidates.

- September 19, 2026 to substitute governorship and State Assembly candidates.

Political Attention Turns to APC

As the July 11 deadline approaches, national attention remains fixed on President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

Whether the ruling party retains Kashim Shettima or unveils a surprise running mate, the announcement is expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

With the opposition already submitting complete presidential tickets, pressure is mounting on the APC to conclude its nomination process before INEC closes its online portal.

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