Jane Salihu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, clearing a critical hurdle in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Friday in Abuja, noting that the parties completed the submission process as of May 8, 2026—two days ahead of the extended deadline of May 10.
Haruna explained that the Commission had initially fixed April 21, 2026, as the deadline for submission of party membership registers in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 polls. However, following concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting held on March 24, 2026, INEC granted an extension to allow parties align their submissions with the timelines for their primary elections.
According to him, the revised deadline was announced in a March 27 press statement to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers to the Commission no later than 21 days before conducting their primaries.
He added that political parties are permitted to hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, in line with the approved electoral timetable.
“With the successful submission of membership registers by all registered political parties, the Commission will commence the verification process in accordance with the law,” Haruna stated.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections, emphasizing that strict adherence to legal and procedural requirements remains central to the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
