The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implemented changes to the planned schedule for the 2027 general elections, which includes pushing back the final date for political parties to file their membership registers.
This update was communicated in a statement released by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who serves as INEC's National Commissioner and heads the Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC indicated that the schedule modification arose from feedback received from political parties during a consultative meeting on March 24, 2026. Parties had expressed reservations about the initial deadline set between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
The commission stated that this decision was made to ensure adherence to Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026. This legislation requires political parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days prior to the staging of their primaries.
Under the updated timetable, political parties are now permitted to conduct their primaries within the period of April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Furthermore, INEC has extended the deadline for the submission of these party membership registers to May 10, 2026, a change from the previously established April 21 deadline.
Haruna explained that these adjustments are intended to facilitate compliance with legal obligations and to afford parties sufficient time to meet the necessary requirements for a well-organized electoral process.
He emphasized that political parties must submit their membership registers no later than 21 days before their respective primaries, highlighting the importance of observing the revised schedule.
The commission reaffirmed its dedication to organizing a transparent and effectively managed electoral process leading up to the 2027 general elections.
By Friday Olokor
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