On Tuesday, the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org/) chair, [Prof Joash Amupitan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joash_Amupitan), disclosed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Youth Party and Accord Party will not present presidential candidates for the 2027 general election, confirming that 18 of the 22 registered parties have no nominee.
Amupitan made the announcement at INEC’s world press conference/National stakeholders forum on preparations for the 2027 poll.
He also revealed that the National Assembly and several political parties have lodged complaints concerning the revised election timetable.
**What parties are without presidential candidates?**
According to the chairman, 18 of the 22 parties registered with INEC failed to nominate a presidential or vice‑presidential ticket, including APGA, Accord and the Youth Party. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) withdrew its presidential nominee during the substitution window.
**How many candidates have been nominated for legislative seats?**
From the National Assembly perspective, 21 parties have put forward 313 candidates for the Senate and 3,547 candidates for the House of Representatives. Personal particulars for these aspirants were published on 1 August 2026, with the final list slated for 12 September 2026, subject to any court orders.
For state elections, 21 parties have nominated 936 governorship‑deputy governorship tickets and 9,692 candidates for State Houses of Assembly. Their personal details were released on 29 August 2026, and the definitive list is expected on 10 October 2026.
**What legal challenges have arisen?**
The commission reported receiving 112 complaints during the nomination period, covering unlawful withdrawals, substitution errors, typographical mistakes and other legal issues; all have been investigated and resolved except those still pending in court.
Amupitan also cited a recent Supreme Court ruling in *INEC v. Zenith Labour Party* (21 September 2026) that affirmed the constitutionality of sections 77(5‑7) of the [Electoral Act 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_Act_(Nigeria)) and upheld the revised timetable for the 2027 elections.