The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, INEC said the submissions were completed as of May 8, 2026, two days before the extended deadline granted by the Commission following concerns raised by political parties over the initial timeline.
According to the Commission, political parties had, during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, requested more time to submit their membership registers in line with the dates fixed for their primaries. INEC subsequently extended the deadline from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026, through a statement released on March 27, 2026.
The electoral body explained that the adjustment was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires parties to submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before the conduct of their primaries.
INEC also confirmed that political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, as contained in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.
The Commission stated that all submitted registers would undergo verification processes in accordance with the law, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on May 15, 2026.
