The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed receipt of membership registers from all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria, effectively signaling the closure of the defection window ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the Commission, all political parties complied with the directive to submit updated membership registers in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and within the extended deadline granted by the electoral body.
“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” the statement said.
INEC explained that the deadline was earlier extended from April 21 to May 10, 2026, following concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting held on March 24, 2026.
The Commission noted that the adjustment was necessary to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable for party primaries ahead of the next general election.
According to INEC, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before the conduct of such primaries.
The electoral umpire stated that the submitted registers would now undergo verification processes in accordance with the law.
“The Commission remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” Haruna added.
The development is expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls, as party membership registers serve as the official basis for participation in party primaries and internal electoral processes.
