The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers for the 2027 general elections to May 10, 2026, offering greater flexibility in the electoral timetable.

The adjustment was announced by INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna following concerns raised by political parties over the earlier window of April 1 to April 21.

INEC explained that the revision aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primary elections.

With the new deadline, parties can now hold their primaries between April 23 and May 30, provided they comply with the 21-day submission rule. The commission emphasised that strict adherence remains crucial to ensuring a credible and orderly process.

The update is part of broader adjustments to the 2027 election timetable, earlier revised to accommodate key concerns, including the Ramadan period.

According to INEC, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Other key milestones include continuous voter registration from April 2026 to January 2027, submission of nomination forms from June 27 to July 11, and publication of the final list of candidates on November 15, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will run from August 19, 2026, to January 14, 2027, while governorship and state assembly campaigns are slated for September 9, 2026, to February 4, 2027.

INEC also reiterated that all political campaigns must end at least 24 hours before election day, in line with electoral guidelines.