Manny Ita –
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their digital membership registers from April 21 to May 10, 2026, marking a key adjustment in preparations for the 2027 general elections. The decision follows consultations with party leaders who raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the earlier timeline.
INEC stated that the extension aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandate that party membership registers be submitted at least 21 days before the conduct of party primaries. Several political parties had cited logistical, technical, and administrative challenges in compiling and verifying comprehensive digital membership data across the country.
Under the revised schedule, parties now have until May 10, 2026 to complete submissions, while party primaries are expected to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The commission emphasized that despite the extension, all submissions must still comply with the requirement of being filed no later than 21 days before each party’s primary election.
The extension is expected to give political parties additional time to finalize their membership databases, resolve internal disputes, and ensure data accuracy. However, INEC has cautioned that failure to meet the new deadline could impact a party’s ability to fully participate in the electoral process.
Stakeholders and political observers have generally welcomed the move, describing it as a practical step that promotes inclusiveness and allows for better preparation ahead of the elections. The development also reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral transparency and internal party democracy in Nigeria.
