The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify reports that it issued the Candidates' Access Code for the 2027 general elections to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to HURIWA, the Commission owes Nigerians a duty of transparency and its silence on the matter is fueling public suspicion and raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

HURIWA's National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated in a press statement that if reports that the access code had been issued to the faction allegedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, were true, the Commission should explain the legal basis for doing so despite ongoing litigation over the authentic leadership of the PDP.

The Court of Appeal had ruled that the tenure of the party's former National Legal Adviser, A.K. Ajibade, SAN, expired in December 2025 and that there was no credible evidence of his re-election, thereby questioning the validity of subsequent actions linked to the March 29, 2026 convention.

HURIWA noted that the PDP Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, constituted an interim National Working Committee headed by Chief Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and had filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking recognition of the interim leadership.

The association added that the Federal High Court had fixed July 7, 2026, for hearing after ordering an accelerated hearing in view of INEC's electoral timetable, and that counsel to the plaintiffs had informed the court that political parties had begun receiving Candidates' Access Codes and requested that the Turaki-led leadership also be issued the code to prevent prejudice pending the determination of the suit.

HURIWA further stated that the Commission must not take any administrative step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering the pending proceedings merely academic.

The group urged INEC to publicly state whether or not it had issued the Candidates' Access Code to any PDP faction, and warned that if the Commission had already issued the code despite the pending legal disputes, it should immediately review the decision in the interest of justice, fairness, and constitutional order.

HURIWA also argued that if INEC eventually decides to issue the access code before the conclusion of the litigation, it should be issued to the interim leadership constituted by the PDP Board of Trustees.

The rights group urged the electoral umpire to maintain neutrality, uphold the rule of law, and avoid actions capable of eroding public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission must not take any administrative step capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or rendering the pending proceedings merely academic, the group said.

In a related context, the 2027 general elections are significant in Nigeria's democracy as it will determine the next set of leaders of the country, and any controversy surrounding the election process could have far-reaching implications for the country's democracy.

HURIWA's statement on the matter is a timely reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, and the need for INEC to prioritize the integrity of the process above any other consideration.

It is expected that INEC will respond to HURIWA's call for transparency and clarity on the matter, and reassure Nigerians that it will abide by whatever lawful orders ultimately emerge from the courts.

The PDP's leadership crisis and the controversy surrounding the issuance of the Candidates' Access Code are just some of the several challenges that INEC will have to navigate in the coming months as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for the country's politics and economy, and any controversy surrounding the process could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

The 2027 general elections are a critical moment in Nigeria's democracy, and any controversy surrounding the election process could have far-reaching implications for the country's politics and economy.

The PDP's leadership crisis and the controversy surrounding the issuance of the Candidates' Access Code are just some of the several challenges that INEC will have to navigate in the coming months.

Key Facts

  • Court of Appeal ruled that the tenure of the PDP's former National Legal Adviser, A.K. Ajibade, SAN, expired in December 2025.
  • Federal High Court fixed July 7, 2026, for hearing after ordering an accelerated hearing in view of INEC's electoral timetable.
  • PDP Board of Trustees constituted an interim National Working Committee headed by Chief Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
  • Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026 filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking recognition of the interim leadership.
  • Counsel to the plaintiffs informed the court that political parties had begun receiving Candidates' Access Codes and requested that the Turaki-led leadership also be issued the code to prevent prejudice pending the determination of the suit.
  • HURIWA warned INEC against taking actions that could undermine pending court proceedings.