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 Electoral Act 2026, a crucial step ahead of the 2027 general elections. This development was announced on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement issued by the electoral body. The submission marks a significant milestone in the electoral preparedness process, ensuring that all parties meet legal requirements before conducting their primaries.
INEC stated that the submission of membership registers was completed by May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline of May 10, 2026. The original deadline for submission was set for April 21, 2026, but was shifted to accommodate concerns raised during a meeting held on March 24, 2026. The adjustment was made in accordance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the official timetable for party primaries.
Under the law, political parties were required to submit their membership registers no later than 21 days before their respective primaries. INEC allowed parties to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, giving them sufficient time to prepare and comply with the legal framework. The timely submission by all 22 parties reflects a level of cooperation and adherence to electoral procedures that could enhance the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The Commission emphasized that the submitted membership registers will now undergo verification in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. This verification process is critical to ensuring that only eligible and verified members are included in the lists, which will be used to determine party candidates for the 2027 elections. INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in every stage of the electoral process.
The successful submission by all political parties signals a positive step toward a well-organized and legally compliant election cycle. It also demonstrates the Commission’s ability to manage electoral timelines and address logistical challenges through dialogue and policy adjustments. As the 2027 elections draw closer, this development strengthens public confidence in the electoral system and sets a solid foundation for the next phase of preparations. The upcoming primaries and candidate nominations will now proceed with verified party structures, paving the way for a more structured and legitimate electoral contest.
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