INEC extends deadline for parties to submit membership registers ahead of 2027 elections

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 electoral body announced the adjustment 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 decision followed concerns raised by political parties over the earlier schedule during a consultative meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Under the initial timetable, political parties were expected to submit their membership registers between April 1 and April 21, 2026.

However, the commission said the timeline had been revised to ensure compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

“The commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, with the actual dates fixed by political parties themselves,” the statement said.

According to INEC, the adjustment allows political parties more flexibility in scheduling their primaries while still meeting the legal requirements set out in the electoral law.

The commission also announced that political parties can now conduct their primaries within a window from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from April 23, 2026 to May 30, 2026,” the statement added.

INEC emphasised that parties are required to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before the date of their respective primaries.

Based on the revised schedule, the commission stated that the new final deadline for submission of membership registers is May 10, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of April 21.

The electoral body stressed that compliance with the revised timeline is essential to ensuring a smooth and orderly electoral process.

INEC also reiterated its commitment to working closely with political parties to guarantee a credible, transparent and well-organised electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.