INEC Extends Deadline for Party Membership Register Submission to May 10

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit electronic copies of their membership registers to May 10, shifting it from the earlier date of April 21.

The decision was announced on Friday in Abuja by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. According to him, the adjustment followed concerns raised by party leaders during a recent meeting with the commission.

INEC stated that the extension aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act and accommodates the timelines proposed by political parties for their primaries.

Political parties have also been cleared to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. However, the commission emphasized that each party must submit its membership register at least 21 days before its scheduled primary.

The commission noted that the revised timeline is intended to ensure compliance with legal requirements and support an orderly electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.