Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended by three days the deadline for political parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections. The commission announced on Sunday, 12 July 2026, that the deadline, originally scheduled to expire at midnight on Saturday, 11 July 2026, has now been shifted to midnight on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.
The decision was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna. According to the electoral body, the extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the upload of their candidates' details within the initial timeframe. Several parties had complained of difficulties in meeting the original deadline due to technical and administrative challenges encountered while using INEC's online nomination portal.
INEC said the extension reflects its commitment to promoting inclusivity in the electoral process while remaining within the provisions of the law. "The extension underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law," the statement read. The commission urged political parties to take advantage of the additional period to complete the submission of all required information before the new deadline expires. "The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline," the statement added.
The extension comes as political parties intensify efforts to finalise their nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to hold on 16 January 2027, according to INEC's revised timetable. The commission had earlier disclosed that it would publish the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates (Form EC9) on 1 August 2026, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, which requires publication within 21 days of receipt of the uploaded lists.
The decision to grant the extension marks a reversal from INEC's earlier position, where the commission had insisted that it would not extend the deadline. However, the appeal by IPAC, coupled with the technical difficulties reported by several parties, appears to have swayed the commission's decision. IPAC had argued that some parties were still finalising their primaries and needed additional time to upload the required data. The extension is expected to ease the pressure on political parties, allowing them to ensure that all necessary information is accurately submitted before the new deadline. With the new deadline now set for midnight on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, all eyes will be on political parties to see if they can meet the extended timeline and avoid disqualification from the 2027 elections.
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