The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in the country have submitted their membership registers in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
According to the Commission, the submission followed an extension granted to political parties after concerns were raised over the original deadline during a consultative meeting held on March 24, 2026.
Haruna explained that political parties had complained about the timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election.
“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” the statement said.
INEC recalled that after consultations with political parties, the Commission adjusted the deadline for the submission of membership registers from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026.
The electoral body said the adjustment was necessary to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and accommodate the dates fixed by political parties for their primary elections.
Haruna noted that parties were allowed to conduct their primaries within the approved period from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
He further explained that under the law, political parties were expected to submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries.
According to him, all political parties complied with the requirement within the extended period.
“INEC wishes to state that all registered political parties complied with the requirement within the extended timeframe and will subject the submitted registers to the necessary verification processes in line with the law,” Haruna added.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to organising free, fair, credible and inclusive elections as preparations continue for the 2027 polls.
