By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members as part of preparations for the 2027 Nigerian general election.
The adjustment follows concerns raised by political parties regarding the timeline earlier provided in the Commission’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the elections.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the Commission, the initial timeline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers was scheduled to run from April 1 to April 21, 2026. However, following deliberations at a meeting between INEC and political parties held on March 24, 2026, the Commission agreed to adjust the period in order to align with the 21-day requirement stipulated under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC explained that the adjustment would allow the statutory 21-day period required for submission of party membership registers to properly correspond with the dates political parties choose to conduct their primaries.
Political parties have therefore been granted the flexibility to fix dates for their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.
The Commission emphasised that in accordance with the law, each party must submit its register of members to INEC not later than 21 days before the date scheduled for its primaries.
Consequently, the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members has now been extended to May 10, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of April 21, 2026, contained in the revised timetable.
INEC urged all political parties to strictly adhere to the adjusted timeline to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.
