Commission Insists On Online Filing As 2027 Approaches
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has rejected the presidential nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan submitted by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction. The reason: it was delivered manually instead of through INEC’s official online nomination portal.The rejection comes amid growing tension within the PDP and as Nigeria begins to gear up for the 2027 general elections.
Why INEC Rejected The Submission
According to INEC, all nominations for presidential candidates must be done electronically through its designated portal. The Turaki-led faction said they tried to use the portal multiple times but were blocked. With time running out, they opted to hand-deliver the forms. INEC turned it down.
A source at the Commission said the rules are clear and apply to everyone, regardless of party or personality. This is part of INEC’s push to digitize the electoral process and cut down on disputes over late or improper submissions.
PDP Crisis Takes Center Stage Again
The nomination was submitted by a faction loyal to Kabiru Turaki, not the main PDP leadership. The party has been battling internal leadership disputes for months, with different groups claiming control. That confusion spilled into the nomination process. Political observers say the move to present Jonathan again has also raised eyebrows. Jonathan was President from 2010 to 2015 and lost his re-election bid in 2015. The question many are asking: why bring him back now?
The Talking Point
Online, Nigerians had mixed reactions.Some criticized INEC for being rigid, arguing that if a faction was genuinely blocked from the portal, there should be room for alternatives. Others joked about the reliability of government portals. “In a country where portals crash during JAMB and NYSC registration, INEC wants to stake an election on it?” one X user wrote.
But political analysts say INEC is trying to avoid the chaos of 2023, where manual processes led to delays and accusations of manipulation.
This rejection does two things:
1. It exposes the depth of PDP’s internal crisis. Two factions, one nomination, zero agreement.
2. It shows INEC is not bending rules. The Commission has repeatedly said the portal is the only accepted channel.With 2027 barely 18 months away, parties will have to get their house in order early or risk being locked out by technicalities.
The Turaki faction says it will explore legal options. Whether that happens or the main PDP leadership steps in remains to be seen.
For now, Jonathan’s name is not on INEC’s list from that faction. And INEC’s message is clear: follow the portal, or don’t bother.
