The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced an extension of the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to the commission, the adjustment followed concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting held earlier in the week regarding the initial submission timeline.
INEC explained that the original window for submission, scheduled from April 1 to April 21, 2026, has now been revised to ensure compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“The commission has adjusted the period for submission of political parties’ membership registers to align with the 21-day requirement stipulated in Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026,” the statement said.
Under the new arrangement, political parties are expected to submit their registers no later than May 10, 2026, extending the previous deadline by nearly three weeks.
INEC also confirmed that parties can conduct their primaries within a timeframe spanning April 23 to May 30, 2026.
“Political parties are free to determine the dates of their primaries within the approved window from April 23 to May 30, 2026,” the commission stated.
It further emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to the updated timetable, noting that membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before any party primary.
“This means the final deadline for submission is now May 10, 2026, instead of the earlier date of April 21,” the statement added.
INEC reiterated its commitment to collaborating with political parties to ensure a credible, transparent, and well-organised electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
