INEC Extends Deadline for Submission of Party Membership Registers Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an adjustment to its timetable for the 2027 general election, extending the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers.
The decision was reached following concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The meeting focused on the previously scheduled window for submitting party membership registers, initially set between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, INEC said the adjustment was necessary to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates a minimum of 21 days’ notice before the conduct of party primaries.
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Under the revised arrangement, political parties are now permitted to fix dates for their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026. The Commission emphasized that adherence to this timeline is critical to maintaining the integrity and smooth progression of the electoral process.
INEC further clarified that political parties must submit their registers of members no later than 21 days before their respective primaries. Consequently, the final deadline for submission has been extended to May 10, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of April 21, 2026.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to working closely with political parties to ensure full compliance with electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general election.
By PRNigeria
