INEC extends party register submission deadline to May 10

The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers for the 2027 general elections to May 10, 2026.

The commission said the decision followed concerns raised by political parties over the earlier timeline.

Announcing the change, INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, stated: “The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.”

INEC explained that the adjustment aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates submission of membership registers at least 21 days before party primaries.

With the revision, parties can now hold primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, provided they comply with the submission requirement. The commission stressed that strict adherence to the timeline is essential to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

INEC had earlier released a revised timetable for the 2027 elections, fixing presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.