INEC extends deadline for submission of party membership registers

Politics

LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — 28 March 2026 — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general election.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

Haruna explained that the original deadline of April 21 has now been shifted to May 10, but not later than 21 days before each party’s primary election. He noted that the adjustment followed a meeting between INEC and political parties held on Tuesday, where concerns were raised about the timeline under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 polls.

According to Haruna, the commission agreed to align the submission period with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which prescribes a 21-day window before primaries. He added that the new dates were determined in consultation with the political parties themselves.

“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from April 23 to May 30. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.

“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries. This means that the final deadline for submission has been extended to May 10, from the earlier date of April 21,” Haruna stated.

(NAN)