INEC Extends Candidate Submission Deadline for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the deadline for political parties to submit their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections. The new deadline is set for midnight on July 14, 2026, an extension from the previous date of July 11, 2026.

This decision follows appeals from stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), who requested additional time to complete the nomination process due to technical and logistical challenges faced by some parties. INEC Chairman Mohammed Kudu Haruna stated that the extension is intended to promote wider participation and ensure compliance with the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.

The commission emphasized that this additional time would not disrupt the overall timeline for the 2027 general elections. Political parties are encouraged to avoid last-minute submissions and ensure that all required documents are correctly uploaded to the nomination portal within the stipulated period.