SAT MAR 28 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced a revision to its timetable, pushing back the deadline for the submission of Political Parties’ Registers of Members ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The revision follows concerns raised on the timeline for the submission of Political Parties’ Registers of Members under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, which was originally fixed for 1st April 2026 to 21st April 2026.
The Commission consequently agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, with the actual dates fixed by political parties themselves.
The adjustment forms part of INEC’s broader effort to fine-tune preparations for the 2027 polls, ensuring that political parties comply with regulatory requirements while allowing sufficient time for verification and administrative processes.
The commission emphasized that maintaining an accurate and credible membership register remains a critical component of electoral transparency and party legitimacy.
INEC noted that Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from the 23rd of April 2026 to the 30th of May 2026.
”It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process,” INEC said.
The Commission also insists that the register of party members must be submitted to it not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.
This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members is extended to 10th May 2026, from the 21st April 2026 originally contained in the revised Timetable.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
