The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in line with the Electoral Act 2026. National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed that the submissions were completed by 8 May 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline of 10 May 2026.
The extension of the timeline had been granted earlier after political parties raised concerns about the original 21 April 2026 submission date during a meeting with the Commission on 24 March 2026. In a statement issued on 27 March 2026, INEC adjusted the deadline to 10 May 2026, consistent with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act and to align with the parties’ approved primary election window of 23 April to 30 May 2026. Parties were required to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before holding their primaries.
INEC said the submitted registers will now undergo the legally prescribed verification processes to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The Commission reiterated its commitment to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.