INEC has revised its 2027 general election timetable for the second time, adjusting the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers. The Independent National Electoral Commission made this move following concerns that its original schedule contravened the Electoral Act. According to INEC, the revised deadline is now May 10, 2026, to align with the 21-day requirement prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The commission stated that political parties are free to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. However, they must submit their membership registers not later than 21 days before the date of their primaries. This means that the final deadline for submission has been extended to May 10, 2026. The revised timetable was issued after Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker and constitutional lawyer, pointed out that INEC's original schedule misapplied the Electoral Act.
INEC's National Commissioner, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, announced the adjustment in a statement. The commission said that parties must adhere to the new timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process. The revised timetable follows the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which reduced the statutory notice of election period from 360 days to 300 days before polling day. The commission scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state house of assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
INEC's decision to correct its election timetable error is a welcome move, especially considering the concerns raised by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. The commission's adjustment ensures that political parties comply with the Electoral Act, thereby preventing potential irregularities in the electoral process. This development has significant implications for the 2027 general election, particularly for political parties that may have been planning to conduct their primaries within the original timeframe. The revised deadline of May 10, 2026, provides a clearer timeline for parties to submit their membership registers, thereby reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring a more orderly electoral process.
