2027 Elections: 22 parties submit membership lists to INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in the country have submitted their membership registers in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Law, marking a milestone in the preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission said the submission was completed before the final deadline following a series of adjustments to the electoral calendar and consultations with political stakeholders.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Voter Information and Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on Friday.

According to INEC, the proposal follows an earlier extension granted to political parties after concerns were raised about the initial deadline during a stakeholders meeting held on 24 March 2026.

“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 records to the Commission in accordance with the Electoral Law 2026,” the statement read.

The Commission explained that, although the original deadline was set for 21 April 2026, it was subsequently extended to 10 May 2026, in line with the provisions of the law and the calendar of party primaries.

INEC also disclosed that all political parties submitted their registers by May 8, 2026, two days before the extended deadline, describing the level of compliance as complete and on time.

It added that political parties could hold primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while submission of membership registers was mandatory at least 21 days before the respective primaries.

The electoral body stressed that the submitted registers will now undergo a detailed verification in line with the law, stressing that the exercise is crucial to ensuring transparency, internal democracy and credible elections.

INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring free, fair and inclusive elections in 2027, adding that the verification process would help strengthen the integrity of party participation and voter representation.

Political observers say this development signals a major administrative step towards what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 general election season, as parties begin final preparations for primaries and the emergence of candidates.

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