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The Digest:

The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for the submission of political parties' registers of members as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The decision followed concerns raised by political parties during a meeting on March 24 regarding the earlier timeline. INEC announced that the final deadline for submission is now May 10, 2026, extended from the original April 21 deadline. Parties are now permitted to conduct their primaries within a window spanning April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Key Points:
  • The extension aligns with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires submission 21 days before primaries.
  • Political parties are now free to fix their primary dates within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026.
  • Membership registers must be submitted no later than 21 days before each party's respective primaries.
  • The final deadline for submission is now May 10, 2026, extended from April 21.
  • The adjustment follows concerns raised by parties about the earlier timeline during a meeting with INEC.
As INEC adjusts the timeline to accommodate parties' concerns, the extension provides more flexibility for political parties to comply with the Electoral Act's requirements ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources: The Punch, Channels