INEC Confirms All Political Parties Met Deadline for Membership Register Submission

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria successfully submitted their membership registers ahead of the deadline required for preparations toward the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made in a statement issued in Abuja by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who said the political parties complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 following an extension granted by the commission.

According to INEC, political parties initially raised concerns over the original submission timeline during a meeting held with the commission on March 24, 2026. In response, the electoral body reviewed and extended the deadline to allow parties align their internal processes with the approved election timetable.

The commission explained that the original deadline for submission of party membership registers was April 21, 2026, but it was later shifted to May 10, 2026.

INEC stated:

“The commission is pleased to inform Nigerians and stakeholders in the electoral process that all registered parties submitted their registers as of May 8, 2026, two days before the extended deadline.”

The commission further clarified that the extension was necessary to comply with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and to accommodate the schedules fixed by political parties for their primaries.

Under the revised timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primary elections between April 23 and May 30, 2026. INEC also reminded parties that membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before their respective primaries.

The electoral body added that all submitted registers would now undergo verification processes in line with electoral regulations and legal requirements.

Membership registers are considered a critical part of Nigeria’s electoral process because they help determine legitimate party membership and ensure transparency during party primaries. The submission requirement is designed to reduce disputes, prevent manipulation, and strengthen internal democracy within political parties.

Over the years, disagreements over party membership lists and delegate selection have contributed to several court cases and internal crises within Nigeria’s major political parties. Electoral analysts believe INEC’s insistence on early submission and verification could help reduce conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development also comes as political activities across the country continue to intensify ahead of the next general election cycle. Several parties have already begun screening aspirants and conducting consultations for governorship, National Assembly, and presidential contests.

Civil society groups and election observers have repeatedly called on INEC to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, especially regarding party primaries, vote buying, and compliance with electoral laws. Recent discussions around reforms involving BVAS and the IReV portal have further increased public attention on the commission’s preparations for 2027.

By confirming that all parties met the deadline, INEC appears to be signaling improved cooperation between the commission and political stakeholders as preparations continue nationwide.

INEC’s confirmation that all registered political parties submitted their membership registers within the approved timeframe marks an important step in preparations for the 2027 general elections. The development reflects growing pressure on political parties to comply with electoral laws and maintain transparent internal processes.

As the primary election season continues, attention will now shift to how political parties conduct their primaries and whether the electoral commission can effectively enforce compliance ahead of one of Nigeria’s most anticipated election cycles.