All 22 Political Parties Meet Deadline for Full Submission of Membership Registers for 2027 Elections – INEC

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties have successfully submitted their membership registers in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

The Commission disclosed that the parties completed their submissions as of May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline of May 10, 2026. This development marks a significant step in preparations for the 2027 General Elections.

INEC had earlier granted an extension following concerns raised by political parties during a meeting on March 24, 2026. In a subsequent press statement on March 27, the Commission adjusted the original deadline of April 21, 2026, to May 10 to align with the provisions of Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the parties’ primary schedules.

Political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with the requirement that membership registers be submitted to INEC at least 21 days before their respective primaries.

The Commission stated that the submitted registers will now undergo necessary verification processes as stipulated by law.

In a press statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance.

“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026,” the statement read. “INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”

This milestone is expected to strengthen the transparency and credibility of the electoral process as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.