INEC Adjusts Schedule for 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced adjustments to its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

The decision followed a meeting with political parties held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, where concerns were raised over the timeline for the submission of parties’ registers of members. The submission period was initially fixed from April 1 to April 21, 2026.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the adjustment was necessary to align with the 21-day requirement stipulated in Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC stated that political parties are now free to fix dates for their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.

“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from the 23rd of April 2026 to the 30th of May 2026. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process,” the statement read.

The commission added that political parties must submit their registers of members not later than 21 days before the conduct of their primaries.

According to INEC, the final deadline for submission of party membership registers has now been extended to May 10, 2026, from the earlier date of April 21, 2026, as contained in the revised timetable.