The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, has announced that all 22 registered political parties in the country have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission disclosed this in a press statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, the submission followed an extension granted to political parties after concerns were raised over the initial deadline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
The commission recalled that during a meeting held with political parties on March 24, 2026, stakeholders expressed reservations about the timeline earlier provided for the submission of party membership registers.
In response, INEC said it reviewed the schedule and subsequently extended the deadline from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026, to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and accommodate the actual dates fixed by political parties for their primaries.
INEC noted that all registered political parties complied with the directive within the extended period, adding that submissions were completed as of May 8, 2026, two days before the final deadline.
“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 read.
The electoral body explained that political parties were permitted to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026, while the submission of party membership registers was required not later than 21 days before their respective primaries.
INEC further stated that the submitted registers would undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.
The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections, assuring Nigerians and stakeholders of its readiness to continue implementing the electoral timetable transparently.
The submission of party membership registers is considered a critical aspect of the electoral process, as it forms part of the legal requirements for monitoring party primaries and ensuring compliance with the Electoral Act ahead of candidate nominations for the 2027 polls.
