- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has adjusted the 2027 election timetable
- The deadline for submission of party membership registers has been extended from April 21 to May 10, 2026
- The decision followed concerns raised by political parties during a consultative meeting with INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Elections, extending the deadline for political parties to submit their official membership registers.
The adjustment comes after a meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, between the Commission and leaders of political parties, where “concerns were raised on the timeline for the submission of Political Parties’ Registers of Members.”
In a statement issued Friday night, March 27, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the revision is intended to better align the election schedule with the 21-day requirement outlined in “Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, with the actual dates fixed by political parties themselves.”
As part of the update, the deadline for submitting party registers has been moved to May 10, 2026, replacing the earlier April 21 deadline.
Under the revised timetable, political parties 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.”
However, INEC reiterated that party membership registers must still be submitted “not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.”
Haruna stressed that the changes are necessary to ensure a “smooth electoral process,” adding that “it is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline” to prevent procedural setbacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.