The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that all 22 registered political parties in the country have submitted their membership registers in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the Commission, the submission followed an extension granted to political parties after concerns were raised over the initial deadline during a stakeholders’ meeting held on March 24, 2026.

INEC disclosed that the revised deadline allowed parties additional time to complete and submit their registers, with all parties successfully meeting the requirement by May 8, 2026 — two days ahead of the extended deadline.

The Commission explained that it had earlier shifted the submission date from April 21 to May 10, 2026, through a statement issued on March 27, 2026.

The adjustment, INEC noted, was made to ensure compliance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and to align with the schedules fixed by political parties for their primary elections.
Under the revised timetable, political parties were permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. INEC also reminded parties that their membership registers must be submitted at least 21 days before the conduct of their respective primaries.

The electoral body stated that all registered political parties complied within the approved timeframe and added that the submitted registers would now undergo verification processes in accordance with the law.

INEC reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections ahead of the .2027 general elections.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on May 15, 2026.