INEC Adjusts 2027 Election Timetable After Party Pressure

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections after a meeting with political parties on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The original timeline for the submission of political party membership registration was set from April 1, 2026, to April 21, 2026.

However, INEC has agreed to adjust this period to align with the 21 days prescribed in Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026. Political parties are now informed that they can fix their primary election dates within the approved period from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026.

It is imperative for parties to adhere to these timelines to ensure a smooth electoral process. INEC Chairman Moham Kudu Haruna emphasized that political parties must submit their membership registration to INEC no later than May 10, 2026, extending the final deadline from the original April 21, 2026.