The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers to May 10, 2026, shifting it from the earlier date of April 21, 2026.
The announcement was made on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement addressing the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.
According to the Commission, the adjustment follows concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting held on March 24, 2026, regarding the initial timeline for submitting membership registers.
INEC explained that the extension is intended to align with the provisions of Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that political parties must submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting their primaries.
“The Commission agreed to adjust the submission period to ensure compliance with the law and accommodate the actual primary dates set by political parties,” the statement noted.
The electoral body also reaffirmed that political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. However, parties must submit their membership registers no later than 21 days before their chosen primary dates, making May 10, 2026, the final deadline.
The revised timetable is part of broader adjustments introduced after the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026. Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
INEC had earlier moved the election dates forward to avoid a clash with the Ramadan fasting period.
Further key dates include the submission of candidate nominations from June 27 to July 11, 2026, the commencement of campaigns for national elections on August 19, 2026, and the publication of the voter register by December 15, 2026.
The Commission emphasized that strict adherence to the revised timelines is essential to ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process.
Comments