By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general election, giving parties additional time to complete the process.

Independent National Electoral Commission announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

Haruna said the deadline had been moved from April 21 to May 10, noting that the submission must still be done not later than 21 days before each party conducts its primary election.

According to him, the decision followed a meeting between the commission and political parties on Tuesday, where parties expressed concerns about the timeline for submitting their membership registers under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

He explained that the commission agreed to adjust the submission period to align with the 21 days requirement stipulated under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Haruna added that the new dates were proposed by the political parties themselves.

He stated that political parties are free to fix dates for their primaries within the approved period of April 23 to May 30, but must ensure compliance with the submission deadline.

He emphasised that party membership registers must be submitted to the commission at least 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries.

The commission said the adjustment was necessary to ensure proper planning and a smooth electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.