Electoral Preparations Gain Momentum as Parties Submit Registers to INEC

Oru Leonard 

Electoral preparation has gained momentum as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a press statement issued on May 15, 2026 and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC disclosed that the submissions were completed as of May 8, 2026, two days before the extended deadline granted by the Commission following concerns raised by political parties over the initial timeline.

According to the Commission, political parties had, during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, requested an adjustment to the schedule contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election. In response, INEC extended the deadline for submission of membership registers from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026.

The Commission explained that the adjustment was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the actual dates fixed by political parties for their primaries.

INEC further noted that political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while party membership registers were required to be submitted not later than 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries.

The electoral body stated that all submitted registers would now undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.