The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the submissions were completed on May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline granted to political parties.
INEC explained that the extension became necessary after political parties raised concerns during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, over the timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
According to the Commission, the original deadline for submission of party membership registers was April 21, 2026, but was later shifted to May 10, 2026, following consultations with stakeholders and in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The Commission noted that the adjustment also accommodated the actual dates fixed by political parties for the conduct of their primaries, which are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
INEC further stated that under the law, political parties are required to submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before the conduct of their primaries.
The electoral body commended all registered political parties for complying within the extended timeframe and disclosed that the submitted registers would undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.