By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have successfully submitted their membership registers in line with requirements for the 2027 general elections.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, the submission followed an earlier extension granted to political parties after concerns were raised about the initial deadline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
INEC explained that during a stakeholders’ meeting held on March 24, 2026, political parties expressed reservations about the timeline earlier fixed for the submission of their membership registers.
In response, the Commission reviewed the schedule and extended the deadline from April 21, 2026, to May 10, 2026, to ensure full compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and to accommodate the timelines for party primaries.
The electoral body noted that all 22 political parties complied within the extended deadline, adding that submissions were completed on May 8, 2026, two days ahead of schedule.
INEC further stated that political parties were allowed to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while membership registers were required to be submitted at least 21 days before each party’s primary date.
The Commission added that all submitted registers would undergo verification in accordance with electoral laws.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 general elections, INEC said it remains committed to conducting free, fair, credible, and transparent elections while ensuring strict adherence to the electoral timetable.
The submission of membership registers is a key requirement in the electoral process, used to monitor party primaries and validate compliance ahead of candidate nominations.
