ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s electoral umpire has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties have successfully submitted their membership logs ahead of the country’s highly anticipated 2027 general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the submissions met the requirements of the country’s newly minted Electoral Act 2026, averting potential legal crises for parties looking to field candidates. The compliance follows an eleventh-hour extension granted by INEC after political leaders raised concerns over an initially tight schedule.
A Concession to Political Parties
In a statement released on Friday, INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna revealed that all parties had handed over their databases by 8 May—two days before the expiration of an extended grace period. The electoral body had previously shifted the deadline from 21 April to 10 May following a tense consultative meeting with party leaders in late March.”The adjustment was made to align with the law and the actual dates fixed by political parties for their primaries,” Haruna said, adding that the commission remains committed to “free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”
Why the Registers Matter
Under Section 77(4) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026, political parties are legally mandated to provide INEC with a certified blueprint of their membership at least 21 days before holding primary elections. The rule is designed to prevent “party hopping” and irregularities, ensuring only valid party members vote to select flags-bearers. According to the current election timetable:
Primary Elections Window: 23 April to 30 May 2026.
The Conflict: Without the deadline extension, several parties risked missing the 21-day legal cushion, jeopardizing the legitimacy of their candidates.
What Happens Next?
With the logs now in hand, INEC officials will begin a rigorous vetting process to verify the authenticity of millions of names submitted.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest democracy, has a history of fiercely contested elections often marred by logistical delays and legal disputes over party candidacies. INEC’s early flexibility—and the parties’ swift compliance—could signal a smoother legislative runway for the 2027 polls
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