22 Political Parties Meet INEC Deadline on Membership Registers

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have successfully complied with the directive to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the development as a key milestone in ongoing electoral preparations.

The Commission said the submission was completed within the extended timeframe granted to political parties following consultations on the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the parties met the requirement under the Electoral Act 2026 and submitted their registers on or before May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the final deadline of May 10.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission wishes to inform Nigerians and stakeholders in the electoral process that all 22 registered political parties have successfully submitted their membership registers to the Commission in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026,” the statement read.

According to the Commission, the compliance followed an earlier adjustment to the electoral timetable after political parties raised concerns at a meeting held on March 24, 2026, over the initial timeline contained in the election schedule.

INEC explained that after further engagement with stakeholders, it issued a revised directive on March 27, 2026, shifting the deadline for submission of membership registers from April 21 to May 10, 2026.

The adjustment, it said, was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and to reflect the actual schedule of party primaries, which are expected to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

The Commission also reminded political parties that membership registers must be submitted not later than 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries, in line with legal provisions governing internal party democracy.

INEC noted that all parties complied with the requirement within the approved extension period, adding that the development reflects growing adherence to electoral laws by political stakeholders.

“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” Haruna stated.

The electoral body said the submitted registers will now undergo detailed verification to ensure compliance with the law and to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the general elections.

INEC added that the exercise is part of broader efforts to improve transparency, enhance internal democracy within political parties, and ensure that only duly registered members participate in party activities, including primaries.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission said it remains focused on delivering a free, fair and inclusive electoral process in 2027.

It urged political parties to continue to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines and timelines, noting that cooperation among stakeholders remains essential to the success of the democratic process.

With the successful submission of membership registers by all political parties, attention is now expected to shift to party primaries and other pre-election activities outlined in the official timetable.