The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the distribution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form EC9 to candidates who emerged victorious during the party's April primaries, signaling its determination to meet the electoral body's deadline for submission of candidates' particulars ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise followed the ratification of the primary election results by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), paving the way for the formal documentation of candidates before their details are uploaded to INEC's nomination portal.
According to party sources, members of the NWC have been assigned to supervise the distribution of the statutory affidavit forms, while designated party officials are coordinating the exercise in states where NWC members are unavailable. The APC's six National Vice Chairmen are overseeing the process across the country's geopolitical zones.
Form EC9 is a mandatory affidavit every candidate must complete and swear before a Commissioner for Oaths. The document forms part of the legal requirements for valid nomination and must be submitted alongside other supporting credentials to INEC.
Reports indicate that the distribution of the forms began over the weekend, with candidates expected to complete the documentation and return the required materials through the party's zonal structures for onward upload by the APC's ICT Department to the INEC portal.
Despite the commencement of the exercise, uncertainty reportedly remains over the final status of some National Assembly candidates, as the party continues internal consultations to resolve outstanding disputes arising from the primaries. While the APC's presidential ticket has been settled, several legislative aspirants are still awaiting final confirmation from the party leadership.
A senior party official acknowledged that some aspirants remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries but said reconciliation efforts are ongoing to ensure grievances are addressed before the close of the nomination window. According to the official, the party is determined to complete all statutory requirements within the timeline prescribed by INEC.
The development comes as INEC has opened its electronic portal for political parties to upload the credentials and personal particulars of their nominated candidates in line with the commission's timetable for the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the timely completion of candidate documentation will be crucial for all political parties as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. They also note that effective internal dispute resolution could play a significant role in strengthening party unity ahead of the polls.
With the nomination process now underway, attention is expected to shift to the submission of candidates' details, resolution of pending disputes and the next phase of preparations for what promises to be another closely watched electoral cycle in Nigeria.