2027: Wike-Backed PDP Insists It Submitted Presidential Ticket Before INEC Deadline

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims that it failed to submit the names of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the official deadline.

The party described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that it completed the nomination process within the timeframe approved by the electoral commission.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the party fully complied with INEC’s nomination requirements and had no issues with the submission of its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

His reaction followed reports suggesting that the PDP was among a number of political parties that allegedly failed to upload the details of their presidential candidates before INEC closed its nomination portal.

Dismissing the claim, Mohammed stated that the party successfully uploaded the names and particulars of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates before the deadline elapsed.

According to him, the submission was completed at exactly 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2026, in line with INEC’s guidelines.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) successfully uploaded the names and particulars of its Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates to the INEC nomination portal at exactly 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, 10 July 2026, in full compliance with the Commission’s requirements and within the stipulated timeline,” the statement said.

The party maintained that the report gave the public a false impression that it had failed to meet one of the crucial conditions required for participation in the 2027 presidential election.

It said the publication did not reflect the true situation and stressed that electoral matters should be reported with a high level of accuracy because of their significance to the democratic process.

The faction expressed concern that the information was published without proper verification from the party, noting that such reports could mislead party members, supporters and the wider public.

Mohammed stated that the PDP remains committed to obeying the Electoral Act as well as all directives issued by INEC regarding candidate nominations and election preparations.

He added that the party has consistently complied with electoral regulations and would continue to engage with the commission within the framework of the law.

The faction urged Nigerians to disregard reports alleging that it failed to submit its presidential ticket before the deadline, insisting that all necessary procedures were completed as required.

It also called for a correction of the report, saying accurate reporting was necessary to uphold fairness, professionalism and public confidence in the electoral process.