The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised its timetable for the 2027 general elections, extending the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers to May 10, 2026.
The Commission had initially scheduled the deadline for the submission of party’s membership registers for April 1, 2026.
The initial adjustment was made following the amended electoral act 2026 that moved the conduct of 2017 general election from February to January after concerns were raised that the period coinsided with the Ramadan period.
However, political parties during a consultative meeting with the Commission on March 24 raised concerns regarding the earlier timeline, which had fixed the submission period between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the decision was taken to ensure compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and to accommodate party schedules.
According to the Commission, the extension aligns the statutory 21-day requirement for submission of membership registers with the dates political parties choose for their primaries.
INEC also confirmed that political parties are now permitted to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.
According to the electoral umpire, “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.
“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.
“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”.
With the new adjustment, May 10, 2026, now stands as the final deadline for the submission of membership registers, replacing the earlier April 21 deadline.
The Commission urged all political parties to strictly comply with the revised schedule to avoid disruptions in the electoral process, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The development is part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune the electoral timetable and ensure inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency in the conduct of elections across the country.
