2027 polls: INEC extends deadline for submission of candidates’ lists

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and national assembly elections.

The commission announced on Sunday that the deadline, originally fixed for Saturday, July 11, 2026, has now been shifted to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The decision was conveyed in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, who said the extension was approved after the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) requested more time on behalf of political parties experiencing difficulties with the online nomination process.

Haruna said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties.”

He added, “The deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, being Saturday, 11th July 2026, has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, 14th July 2026.”

According to the commission, several political parties were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the stipulated period, prompting IPAC to seek an extension.

“The decision to extend was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Haruna stated.

INEC said the move reflects its commitment to ensuring that all registered political parties are given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process while operating within the framework of the law.

“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law,” the statement said.

The commission, however, urged political parties not to wait until the last minute, warning that the new deadline should be treated as a final opportunity to complete the nomination process.

“The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” Haruna added.