The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted its timetable for the 2027 General Election, extending the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers.
In a press statement issued on March 27, 2026, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the revision followed concerns raised by political parties during a meeting with the Commission on March 24, 2026.
“At the meeting of the Commission with the Political Parties on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, concerns were raised on the timeline for the submission of Political Parties’ Registers of Members under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
According to INEC, the initial deadline—fixed between April 1 and April 21, 2026—has now been reviewed to ensure compliance with statutory provisions.
“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,” Haruna stated.
INEC also granted political parties the flexibility to fix dates for their primaries within an approved window.
“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from the 23rd of April 2026 to the 30th of May 2026. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process,” he added.
The Commission emphasised that parties must still submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primaries.
“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries,” he said.
Providing further clarification, INEC announced a new final deadline.
“This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members is extended to 10th May 2026, from the 21st April 2026 originally contained in the revised Timetable,” Haruna disclosed.
The Commission urged strict compliance with the updated schedule, stressing that adherence is critical to ensuring a smooth and credible 2027 electoral process.
