Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in line with requirements of the Electoral Act 2026, marking the completion of a key administrative step in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The confirmation was contained in an official statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee. According to the commission, the submission exercise was completed before the extended deadline of May 10, 2026, with all parties concluding the process by May 8, two days earlier than required.
INEC explained that the deadline extension followed consultations with political parties during a stakeholders’ meeting held in March 2026, where concerns were raised about the feasibility of the initial timetable. The commission subsequently adjusted the submission deadline from April 21 to May 10, allowing parties additional time to conduct primaries and compile verified membership data.
Under the revised electoral schedule, political parties were permitted to conduct primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while being required to submit membership registers at least 21 days before their respective primaries. The requirement is anchored on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which seeks to strengthen internal party democracy and ensure transparency in candidate selection processes.
INEC stated that the submitted registers will now undergo verification and audit processes. This step is intended to confirm consistency between party membership records and existing voter registration data, as well as to ensure compliance with legal provisions governing political party administration.
The commission also noted that the exercise represents one of the more coordinated compliance efforts by political parties in recent electoral cycles. In previous elections, INEC had repeatedly issued warnings over delays and incomplete submissions, which sometimes disrupted planning timelines for primaries and candidate nomination processes.
Electoral law experts have consistently emphasized that membership registers play a critical role in Nigeria’s political system, as they serve as the basis for determining legitimate party members eligible to participate in primaries and internal party decision-making. The requirement is also designed to curb manipulation of delegate lists and post-primary disputes.
INEC’s latest confirmation comes amid broader preparations for the 2027 general elections, including voter register updates, electoral timetable implementation, and logistical planning for nationwide polls. The commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
As of the time of reporting, INEC has not indicated any party as non-compliant, nor has it announced sanctions or irregularities arising from the submitted registers. The commission said further details would emerge after completion of verification procedures.
Stone Reporters note that the completion of this submission cycle represents a procedural milestone in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, reinforcing INEC’s regulatory oversight role over political parties and their internal processes ahead of the next general election cycle.
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