INEC Extends Deadline for Submission of Political Parties’ Membership Registers to May 10
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties’ membership registers to May 10, 2026, following requests made by political parties during a stakeholder meeting held on Tuesday.
INEC had earlier fixed April 21, 2026, as the deadline in its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election. However, the Commission approved a 29-day extension after considering concerns raised by stakeholders.
In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the adjustment was necessary to align with legal provisions.
“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries. This means that the final deadline for submission is now May 10, 2026, instead of April 21, 2026, as originally scheduled,” he said.
Haruna further noted that during the Commission’s meeting with political parties on March 24, 2026, concerns were raised regarding the earlier timeline, which had slated the submission period between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
“The Commission agreed to adjust the timeline to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires submission of membership registers at least 21 days before party primaries,” he added.
He also clarified that political parties are free to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.
INEC emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the revised timeline to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
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