INEC extends deadline for party membership register ahead of 2027 Elections

By Johnson Arua

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members as part of adjustments to the timetable for the 2027 General Election.

The decision was disclosed in a press statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, following a meeting between the Commission and political parties on March 24, 2026.

According to INEC, the adjustment became necessary after concerns were raised by political parties regarding the initial timeline, which had fixed the submission period from April 1 to April 21, 2026.

The Commission stated that the revision aligns with the provisions of Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates that party membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before party primaries.

INEC further announced that political parties are now free to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.

“As a result, the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members has been extended to May 10, 2026, instead of the earlier date of April 21,” the statement said.

The Commission emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the revised schedule, noting that adherence to the timeline is critical to ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process.

INEC also urged political parties to plan their primaries in line with the new guidelines and submit their membership registers within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any disruptions.