- Says Submitted Registers Will Undergo Detailed Verification Processes
- Political Parties, INEC Deepen Commitment To Credible Elections
- Commission Denies Backing Any Political Party
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties in the country have successfully submitted their membership registers ahead of the 2027 General Election, clearing a major legal and administrative hurdle in the electoral timetable.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who confirmed that the submissions were completed within the extended deadline granted by the Commission.
According to the Commission, the final submissions were made on May 8, 2026 — two days before the May 10 deadline approved after political parties appealed for more time.
“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.
INEC explained that the original deadline was shifted following concerns raised by political parties during a meeting held on March 24, 2026, over the timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
In response, the electoral body adjusted the submission deadline from April 21 to May 10, 2026, in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the dates fixed by parties for their primaries.
The Commission also approved April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the official window for political parties to conduct their primaries, while directing that membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before each party’s primary election.
INEC said the submitted registers would now undergo detailed verification processes in accordance with the law as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.
“The Commission remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” Haruna added.
The development is expected to further accelerate political activities across the country as parties intensify consultations, alliances and internal processes ahead of what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested 2027 election season.
Meanwhile, the three-day training workshop for Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), leaders of political parties and other senior management staff of the Commission ended in Lagos on Thursday, 14th May 2026, with renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen compliance with electoral regulations, strengthen political party administration and promote credible electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, which focused on the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties as well as the Political Party Finance Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS), brought together political party leaders, INEC officials, development partners and experts for intensive engagements on emerging electoral issues and best practices.
Members of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), including Dr. Baba Bila, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, Prof. Sani M. Adam, Dr. Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu and Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Malafa mni, OFR (Rtd), remained actively engaged throughout the workshop and participated in the closing activities.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu appreciated development partners including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Development Alternatives Incorporated, the European Union and The Kukah Centre for supporting the workshop.
He described political parties as critical partners in the democratic process and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fairness, neutrality and equal treatment of all political parties.
“We are there for you. We always create a level playing field for everyone. The Commission is not supporting any political party and will continue to act strictly in accordance with the law and the Commission’s guidelines,” he stated.
The National Commissioner urged political parties to always comply with extant laws and guidelines governing elections and party primaries, while also encouraging stakeholders to seek lawful channels for addressing grievances and disputes.
Addressing Heads of Department in Election and Party Monitoring from various states, Dr. Kenneth charged them to remain professional and objective during the monitoring of party primaries scheduled to commence immediately after the workshop.
“You are not directors of political parties. Yours is to monitor and report in line with the law. Do not interfere in the internal conduct of primaries beyond your statutory responsibility,” he cautioned.
He further urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained during the workshop to colleagues in their respective states in view of the tight electoral timetable leading to the 2027 General Election.
In his final remarks, the Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the workshop, noting that the objectives set for the engagement were successfully achieved through robust discussions, technical sessions and group interactions.
He called on political parties, INEC officials and other stakeholders to continue resolving issues peacefully and constructively, stressing the need for dialogue and restraint in managing political disagreements.
