INEC Sets Timeline for Party Primaries Ahead of 2027 Polls

…As Commission confirms full compliance with membership register submission

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved April 23 to May 30, 2026, for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Commission also confirmed that all 22 registered political parties have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC disclosed that the registers were submitted on or before May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline.

According to the Commission, the extension followed concerns raised by political parties during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, regarding the timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

INEC had initially fixed April 21, 2026, as the deadline for submission of party membership registers but later shifted it to May 10, 2026, through a press statement issued on March 27, 2026.

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

It further stated that political parties were required to submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries.

INEC noted that all registered political parties complied with the directive within the extended timeframe and added that the submitted registers would undergo necessary verification processes in line with the law.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 polls.