The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hearkened to complaints by political parties and announced a revised timeline for them to submit their registers of members as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement released on Friday, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, explained that the change was designed to accommodate the practical realities faced by political parties while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

The move comes after several parties raised concerns about the original submission schedule, prompting the commission to adjust the deadlines to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

“At the meeting of the Commission with the political parties on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, concerns were raised on the timeline for the submission of political parties’ Registers of members under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, which was originally fixed for 1st April 2026 to 21st April 2026,” the statement reads.

Haruna added that the commission’s decision was intended to reconcile the statutory requirements with the actual operational needs of political parties.

“The Commission, at the said meeting, agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the Political Parties’ Registers of Members to align the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, with the actual dates fixed by political parties themselves.”

According to the revised schedule, political parties are now allowed to determine the specific dates for their primaries within an approved window from April 23 to May 30, 2026. This flexibility is intended to give parties sufficient time to organise internal processes, including candidate selection and verification of membership lists.

Haruna emphasised that adherence to the new timeline is critical to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.

“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries. This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers will now depend on the dates they choose for their primaries within the approved window.”

The commission also noted that the extension would provide political parties with the opportunity to review and update their membership registers, ensuring that the records submitted are accurate and up to date. This is particularly important in the lead-up to the general election, as the membership registers form a key part of the verification process for candidates and party structures.

Haruna concluded by urging political parties to take advantage of the revised schedule responsibly.

“It is imperative that all political parties comply with the timelines provided. Any delay in submission may affect the orderly conduct of primaries and, by extension, the overall electoral process,” he stated.

However, INEC aims to strike a balance between legal compliance and practical considerations, ensuring that political parties have enough time to fulfil their obligations while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the upcoming 2027 elections.

The decision to set earlier submission dates for membership registers put pressure on political parties struggling to meet the deadline. As a result, some accused INEC of setting a date that benefited the ruling APC, since they had begun the process over a year before.

With this change in deadline, the INEC has shown that it has a listening ear and would be willing to be fair to all parties in the upcoming elections.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to providing guidance and support to all parties throughout the process.

Please follow and like us: