The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed political parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting their primaries for the 2027 general elections.
The commission said the directive was in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and followed concerns raised by political parties over the earlier timeline for submission of registers, which was initially scheduled between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said it had adjusted the timetable to align with the statutory requirements governing party primaries.
INEC explained that political parties are now free to fix dates for their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026, provided they comply with the 21-day notice requirement tied to the submission of their membership registers.
According to the commission, the register of party members must be submitted not later than 21 days before the date of each party’s primaries.
The adjustment effectively extends the final deadline for submission of membership registers to May 10, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of April 21.
INEC said strict adherence to the revised timeline is necessary to ensure transparency, effective monitoring, and the credibility of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission added that the directive means any political party planning to conduct primaries must first submit its updated membership register within the stipulated timeframe.
INEC said the move is aimed at strengthening internal democracy within political parties and reducing disputes arising from irregular primary processes.
INEC urged all political parties to fully comply with the revised schedule to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
