The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026. The submissions were made by 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline set by the Commission. This development marks a significant milestone in the electoral preparation process, ensuring that all parties are aligned with legal requirements for conducting primaries and fielding candidates.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC noted that the extension was granted after political parties raised concerns during a meeting held on Tuesday. The parties had expressed worries about the initial timeline outlined in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, which had created logistical challenges for internal party processes.
To address these concerns, INEC issued a press statement on 27th March 2026, revising the deadline for submission of party registers from 21st April 2026 to 10th May 2026. This adjustment was made to comply with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and to accommodate the actual dates chosen by political parties for their primaries. The Commission emphasized that the revised timeline was designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the electoral process.
INEC further clarified that political parties were permitted to conduct their primaries between 23rd April 2026 and 30th May 2026. Crucially, the law requires that each party submit its register of members no later than 21 days before the date of its primary. All 22 parties met this requirement within the extended timeframe, demonstrating their commitment to the electoral process.
The submitted membership registers will now undergo thorough verification as mandated by law. This verification process is essential to ensure the accuracy and integrity of party membership data, which forms the foundation for candidate nomination and voter eligibility assessments. INEC has reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections across Nigeria.
This timely compliance by all political parties reflects a growing sense of responsibility and cooperation within Nigeria’s political landscape. As the nation moves closer to the 2027 elections, the successful submission of party registers sets a positive precedent for future electoral phases. The next steps will involve the conduct of primaries and the subsequent nomination of candidates, all under the watchful eye of INEC and the public.
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