INEC Confirms 22 Political Parties Submitted Membership Registers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed that 22 registered political parties have successfully submitted their membership registers, adhering to the requirements of the Electoral Act 2026. INEC Chairman Mohan Haruna issued a statement on March 24, 2026, following a meeting where concerns regarding the timeline for the submission of these registers were raised.

The initial deadline for submissions was extended to May 10, 2026, after a meeting on March 27, 2026, which adjusted the deadline to April 21, 2026, and then to May 10, 2026, in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026. Registered political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries within the approved period from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026.

Additionally, parties must submit their membership registers no later than 21 days before conducting their respective primaries. INEC confirmed that registered political parties complied with the requirements within the extended timeframe, which will be subject to a verification process in accordance with the law.