Nigeria’s Electoral Commission Receives Membership Data from All Registered Parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties have fully complied with the requirement to submit their membership registers in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement issued by the Commission on Friday, the submissions were completed by May 8, two days before the extended deadline, following adjustments made to accommodate concerns raised by the parties. This development marks an important milestone in the electoral timetable, ensuring that the process of candidate selection for next year’s polls can proceed on a solid foundation of verified membership data.

The Commission noted that the successful submission reflects the willingness of political parties to work within the legal framework established by the Electoral Act 2026. The original deadline for submission had been set for April 21, but political parties expressed difficulties during a meeting with INEC on March 24. In response, the Commission extended the deadline to May 10 to allow parties sufficient time to compile accurate registers while still aligning with the legal provisions.

This adjustment was formally announced on March 27, giving parties clear guidance on the new timeline. Under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC not later than 21 days before conducting their primaries. To maintain consistency, the Commission permitted parties to hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30.

The extension ensured that parties could meet both the legal requirement and their internal schedules without compromising the overall electoral calendar. INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee Chairman, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who signed the statement, expressed satisfaction that every registered party met the extended deadline. The Commission will now subject the submitted registers to thorough verification processes as stipulated by law. This verification is expected to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the membership data, helping to prevent disputes during candidate nominations and primaries.

With the primaries window already open, parties are now in a position to finalise their candidate lists for various positions, from local government to the presidency. The availability of verified membership data strengthens the credibility of the selection process and reduces the risk of legal challenges over eligibility.

With the membership registers in place, parties are expected to focus on selecting candidates who can effectively represent their platforms and appeal to the electorate. The process will test the internal democratic mechanisms of each party and their ability to manage competition without descending into chaos.