The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a crucial adjustment to the timeline for submitting political parties' registers of members. This decision comes on the heels of concerns raised by political parties during a meeting with INEC held last Tuesday. The commission's National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, revealed that the initial timeline was deemed too stringent.
The revised timeline now allows political parties to submit their registers of members between April 23 and May 30, 2026. This extension is in line with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which prescribes a 21-day period for submission. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.
INEC has made it clear that the register of party members must be submitted to the commission not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries. As a result, the final deadline for submission has been extended to May 10, 2026.
INEC's decision to extend the deadline for submitting political parties' registers of members is a welcome relief for parties that were struggling to meet the initial timeline. However, this move also raises questions about the commission's ability to manage the electoral process. The extension may impact the overall timeline for the 2027 general election, and voters will be watching closely to see how INEC executes this revised plan. The commission's emphasis on adherence to the new timeline is crucial, as any delays could have far-reaching consequences for the electoral process. Ultimately, the success of the 2027 general election will depend on INEC's ability to manage the timeline and ensure a smooth process for all stakeholders.
