The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted political parties additional time to submit their official registers of members, a move seen as providing extra space for internal party arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The extension, announced Friday as monitored by ENigeria Newspaper, pushes the final deadline to May 10, 2026, from the original April 21 cutoff. INEC said the decision follows concerns raised by party leaders about the original timeline and aims to align with the 21-day requirement under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Speaking on the adjustment, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, noted that the move ensures political parties have adequate time to organise internal primaries and properly update their registers of members.
“To address this concern, the Commission has adjusted the period for the submission of the Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by law with the actual dates fixed by political parties,” the statement said.
Under the updated timetable, parties are free to schedule their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, but must submit their registers at least 21 days before their respective primaries. INEC stressed that compliance is crucial for a smooth electoral process, cautioning that delays could compromise timelines leading up to the elections.
Political analysts say the adjustment offers parties strategic breathing room to resolve internal disputes, finalise aspirant lists, and ensure member verification, which could ultimately affect candidate selection and party cohesion.
The INEC modification also demonstrates the commission’s attempt to minimize procedural disruptions while preserving election legitimacy by striking a balance between legal requirements and the pragmatic realities of party politics.
