The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria successfully submitted their membership registers ahead of the revised deadline for the 2027 General Election, signaling a major step in preparations for the nationwide polls.
The electoral umpire disclosed that the parties complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 by meeting the May 10 deadline — just two days before the cut-off date expired following an extension granted by the Commission.
INEC had earlier fixed April 21, 2026, as the original deadline under its Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 elections. However, after consultations with party leaders during a stakeholders’ meeting held on March 24, the Commission approved a two-week extension to allow political parties harmonize their internal schedules and proposed primary election dates.
The adjustment was officially communicated in a statement issued on March 27, with INEC explaining that the extension was designed to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026. The law requires political parties to submit updated membership registers to the Commission at least 21 days before conducting their primaries.
Under the revised timetable, political parties are expected to hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, as the political landscape gradually gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 contest.
INEC described the development as a positive indication of cooperation between the Commission and political parties, noting that the timely submissions would enable it to begin the next phase of verification and regulatory scrutiny.
“All registered political parties complied with the requirement within the extended timeframe,” the Commission stated. “The submitted registers will now be subjected to the necessary verification processes in line with the law.”
The successful submission by all political parties is seen by observers as an important administrative milestone in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially amid growing national attention on reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and internal democracy within political organizations.
Analysts say the verification exercise by INEC will likely focus on ensuring that the registers comply with legal provisions regarding party membership structure, authenticity of records, and nationwide spread as stipulated by electoral laws.
The development also comes amid heightened political activity across the country, with major parties already intensifying consultations, coalition talks, and grassroots mobilization ahead of the primaries.
Political stakeholders have repeatedly called on INEC to maintain neutrality and strict adherence to the electoral timetable to avoid controversies capable of undermining confidence in the 2027 elections.
With the submission phase now completed, attention is expected to shift to party primaries, candidate emergence, and possible realignments that could shape the battle for power in Africa’s most populous democracy.
The Commission has assured Nigerians that it remains committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process in accordance with the law and global best practices.
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