APC yet to unveil Tinubu’s running mate as ADC, NDC and PDP intensify compliance with July 11 deadline; political observers watch for possible placeholder strategy
By Amarachi Odenigbo
ABUJA, Nigeria | July 6, 2026
With only days left before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes the submission portal for presidential and National Assembly candidates, Nigeria’s major political parties are racing against time to complete one of the most critical phases of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The electoral umpire has fixed 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as the deadline for uploading the nomination forms of presidential and National Assembly candidates, setting off intense political activity across party headquarters as candidates, party officials and legal teams work to meet statutory requirements.
While some parties have already submitted the names of their presidential tickets, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains under close public scrutiny over President Bola Tinubu’s yet-to-be-announced running mate—a development fuelling fresh political calculations within the party.
INEC Sets Firm Timetable
According to INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable, the submission of Forms EC9 and EC9A to EC9E commenced on June 27 in compliance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission said the nomination exercise is conducted exclusively through its online nomination portal.
Beyond the July 11 deadline for presidential and National Assembly candidates, governorship and State House of Assembly nominations will commence on July 18 and conclude on August 8, 2026.
INEC also announced that the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates will be published on August 1, while those of governorship and State Assembly candidates will be displayed on August 29, allowing members of the public to scrutinise candidates’ credentials before the elections.
Major Parties Unveil Their Presidential Tickets
The emerging presidential landscape has become clearer in recent weeks as major opposition parties unveiled their vice-presidential nominees.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has presented former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi named as his running mate.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) submitted the joint ticket of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Party officials from both political platforms confirmed that their nomination documents have already been uploaded to INEC’s online portal ahead of the deadline.
Tinubu Yet to Name Running Mate
Attention has now shifted to President Bola Tinubu, whose choice of running mate remains one of the biggest unanswered questions ahead of the July 11 deadline.
Although widespread speculation suggests that Vice President Kashim Shettima is likely to retain his position on the APC ticket, the party has yet to make any formal announcement.
The delay has generated renewed political interest, especially following earlier reports suggesting disagreements within sections of the APC over the composition of the 2027 presidential ticket.
Political tensions became evident earlier this year when an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe descended into chaos after supporters of Vice President Shettima protested what they perceived as attempts to sideline him during endorsements of President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The APC leadership has consistently maintained that the decision rests solely with the President.
Could APC Adopt a Placeholder Strategy Again?
Political analysts say the party may rely on a strategy previously adopted ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Under INEC regulations, political parties have until August 22, 2026, to substitute presidential candidates or running mates where necessary.
This provision raises the possibility that the APC could submit President Tinubu’s nomination alongside a temporary or placeholder vice-presidential candidate before making a final substitution ahead of the withdrawal deadline.
The strategy mirrors events in 2022 when businessman Ibrahim Masari was initially submitted as Tinubu’s placeholder running mate before voluntarily withdrawing to pave the way for Kashim Shettima’s eventual nomination.
Although the APC has not indicated that it intends to repeat the arrangement, political observers say the option remains legally available.
APC Begins Upload of National Assembly Candidates
Senior APC officials disclosed that the party has already uploaded several senatorial and House of Representatives candidates to INEC’s nomination portal.
Among those reportedly submitted are:
- Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
- Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma
- Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni
The party also confirmed that nomination details of many serving National Assembly principal officers and lawmakers have already been successfully uploaded.
Party insiders described the exercise as orderly and progressing according to schedule.
PDP Targets Full Compliance
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also confirmed that it has made substantial progress with its National Assembly nominations.
According to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, approximately 60 per cent of the nominations had been uploaded as of the weekend.
He explained that delays affecting about 169 candidates resulted mainly from late submission of documents by aspirants.
Party officials expressed confidence that all outstanding nominations would be completed before INEC’s deadline.
Election Timetable Now Shapes Political Calculations
Beyond candidate selection, the INEC timetable is increasingly influencing political negotiations across the country.
Political parties are balancing legal compliance with ongoing consultations over zoning arrangements, coalition negotiations, regional balancing and strategic alliances expected to define the 2027 presidential race.
Analysts note that vice-presidential selections are particularly significant because they often reflect broader political calculations aimed at strengthening regional appeal, ethnic balance and electoral competitiveness.
Legal Compliance Under Electoral Act
Electoral law experts note that failure to comply with INEC’s nomination timetable could expose political parties to avoidable legal disputes capable of affecting their participation in the elections.
Section 29 of the Electoral Act requires political parties to submit candidate information within stipulated timelines, while subsequent substitution of candidates is only permitted under conditions provided by law.
This makes the current nomination window one of the most critical administrative stages of the electoral process.
With the July 11 deadline fast approaching, political parties are entering the final phase of candidate submissions amid heightened public interest in the composition of presidential tickets.
While opposition parties have largely concluded the process of unveiling their joint tickets, the APC’s pending announcement of President Tinubu’s running mate remains one of the final major political decisions before INEC closes its nomination portal.
The coming days are expected to shape not only the list of candidates that will contest Nigeria’s highest offices but also the alliances and electoral strategies that could determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
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