2027 polls: INEC extends parties’ register submission date

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The extension was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

According to the commission, the decision followed concerns raised by political parties during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, over the initial timeline for the submission of their registers. The earlier schedule required parties to submit the documents between April 1 and April 21, 2026.

INEC said the revised dates were necessary to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before their primaries.

“The commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by law with the dates fixed by political parties themselves,” the statement said.

Under the new timetable, political parties are permitted to hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

INEC noted that parties must now submit their membership registers no later than May 10, 2026 — an extension from the earlier April 21 deadline.

The commission urged strict adherence to the updated schedule, reaffirming its commitment to working with political parties to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process ahead of 2027.