Wike-Backed PDP Insists It Met INEC Deadline, Dismisses Reports Over Candidate Nomination

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT , Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed reports alleging that it failed to upload the names of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal before the deadline, insisting that it fully complied with the electoral body’s requirements.

 In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, described the claim as false and misleading, maintaining that the nomination of its candidates was completed within the timeframe stipulated by INEC.

The clarification followed a newspaper report which alleged that the PDP was among three political parties that failed to submit the names of their presidential candidates before INEC closed its nomination portal.

Reacting to the report, the party stated that it successfully uploaded the names and particulars of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates at exactly 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2026, in full compliance with the Commission’s nomination guidelines.

According to the Wike-backed PDP, the submission was completed before the deadline set by INEC, contrary to claims contained in the report.

“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 created an erroneous impression that it had failed to meet a key electoral requirement ahead of the 2027 general election.

It expressed concern that the publication was based on information that was not verified with the party before it was published, stressing that issues concerning compliance with electoral procedures should be handled with accuracy to avoid misleading the public.

The  PDP faction  reaffirmed its commitment to complying with all provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC’s nomination guidelines, urging Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that it failed to submit its presidential ticket before the deadline.

The faction  also called for a correction of the report, saying such a move would be in the interest of fairness and professionalism.