The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, reversing its earlier decision not to grant any further extension.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the electoral body announced that the submission deadline, which was initially fixed for Saturday, July 11, 2026, has been extended by three days to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
INEC had previously insisted that the deadline would not be shifted despite complaints from several political parties over technical challenges encountered while uploading candidates’ details to its nomination portal.
According to the commission, the latest extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which requested additional time on behalf of the affected political parties.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties,” the statement read.
INEC confirmed that the revised timetable now shifts the deadline from Saturday, July 11, to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
“The deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, being Saturday 11th July 2026, has been extended to midnight on Tuesday 14th July 2026,” the commission stated.
The electoral body explained that the extension was intended to promote broader participation while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law,” the statement added.
INEC urged all political parties to take advantage of the additional three-day window to complete the upload of their candidates’ names and personal particulars before the new deadline.
“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 said.
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