INEC extends deadline for submission of presidential, NASS candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates to Tuesday, July 14.

The commission had earlier fixed Saturday, July 11 as the deadline for the submission of candidates for the offices of President, Senate and House of Representatives.

Announcing the extension in a statement on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the online upload of their candidates’ details within the stipulated timeframe.

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

According to INEC, the extension reflects the commission’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness in the electoral process while remaining within the provisions of the law.

The electoral umpire urged all political parties to take advantage of the additional time to complete the submission of their candidates’ details before the new deadline.

“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,” the statement added.