The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers to May 10, 2026, as part of early preparations for the 2027 general election.
The extension was announced in a statement issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the commission, the decision followed representations from political parties requesting additional time to complete the compilation and verification of their membership data.
INEC noted that the submission of accurate and up-to-date party registers is a critical component of its regulatory and oversight responsibilities, particularly in ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines ahead of the next general election cycle.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral process, urging all registered political parties to utilise the extended window to meet the requirements fully.
The 2027 general election, though still over a year away, has already triggered a series of preparatory actions by the electoral body, signalling an early start to administrative processes aimed at ensuring a smoother and more credible exercise.
Stakeholders say the extension provides a necessary buffer for political parties while reinforcing INEC’s emphasis on due process and data integrity in Nigeria’s electoral system.
