The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under the new timeline, parties now have until May 10, 2026 to comply.
Why the Deadline Was Extended
INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision followed concerns raised by political parties.
Earlier, the commission had fixed the submission window between April 1 and April 21, 2026. However, parties requested more time during a meeting held on March 24.
As a result, INEC adjusted the schedule to ensure better compliance.
What the Law Says
According to INEC, the revision aligns with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The law requires political parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before their primaries.
Therefore, the new deadline ensures that parties meet this legal requirement without disrupting their internal processes.
New Window for Party Primaries
With the extension, political parties can now hold their primaries between:
- April 23 and May 30, 2026
However, they must still submit their membership registers 21 days before their chosen primary dates.
Key Dates for the 2027 Elections
INEC has also outlined other important activities:
- Continuous voter registration: April 2026 – January 2027
- Submission of nomination forms: June 27 – July 11, 2026
- Final list of candidates: November 15, 2026
Election Dates
- Presidential & National Assembly elections: January 16, 2027
- Governorship & State Assembly elections: February 6, 2027
Campaign Timeline
- Presidential/National Assembly campaigns: August 19, 2026 – January 14, 2027
- Governorship/State Assembly campaigns: September 9, 2026 – February 4, 2027
In addition, all political campaigns must end at least 24 hours before election day, in line with electoral guidelines.
Overall, the deadline extension gives political parties more flexibility to prepare for primaries while ensuring compliance with the law.
At the same time, INEC says strict adherence to the revised timeline remains crucial for delivering a credible and well-organised 2027 election in Nigeria.
