The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
INEC said the adjustment followed concerns raised by political parties during a meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, over the earlier submission timeline.
Under the initial schedule, parties were expected to submit their membership registers between April 1 and April 21, 2026. However, the commission has now revised the timeline to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
“The commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of political parties’ registers of members to align with the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the actual dates fixed by political parties,” the statement said.
INEC also announced that political parties can now conduct their primaries within a window from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
“Political parties are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from April 23 to May 30, 2026,” it stated.
The commission stressed the importance of strict compliance with the revised timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.
It added that parties must submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before their respective primaries.
“This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members has been extended to May 10, 2026, from the earlier date of April 21, 2026,” the statement added.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to working with political parties to ensure a credible and transparent process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
