The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria successfully submitted their membership registers to the Commission in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to a press statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the submissions were completed on May 8, 2026 — two days ahead of the extended deadline granted by the Commission.
INEC explained that the extension became necessary after political parties raised concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting held on March 24, 2026, over the initial timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
Following consultations, the Commission shifted the deadline for submission of party membership registers from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026, in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the approved timetable for party primaries.
The Commission further clarified that political parties were permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while party membership registers had to be submitted not later than 21 days before each party’s primary election.
The development is already generating reactions within political circles, as many observers interpret the submission date to mean that aspirants who were not officially registered as party members before May 8, 2026, may encounter eligibility challenges during screening processes.
INEC stated that the submitted registers will now undergo verification in accordance with the law, while reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
