The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers to May 10, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The extension was announced in a statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. He said the decision followed concerns raised by political parties regarding the earlier timeline.

According to the statement, the commission reviewed the schedule after a meeting with political parties held on March 24, 2026, where stakeholders expressed reservations about the initial submission window, which was slated for April 1 to April 21, 2026.

INEC explained that the adjustment was necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates that party membership registers be submitted at least 21 days before the conduct of party primaries.

“The Commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by law with the actual dates fixed by political parties,” the statement said.

The commission also confirmed that political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Haruna emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the revised timetable, noting that timely submission of membership registers is critical to ensuring a smooth electoral process.

He added that, under the new arrangement, political parties must submit their registers no later than 21 days before their chosen primary dates, effectively shifting the final submission deadline from April 21 to May 10, 2026.