By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their members register to the commission for the 2027 general election.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, on Friday in Abuja.

Haruna said that instead of the April 21 deadline, political parties now have until May 10, but not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.

He said that the decision was reached following the commission meeting with the political parties on Tuesday.

He said that the parties raised concerns on the timeline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members under the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

Haruna said that the commission agreed to adjust the period for the submission of the membership register to align with the 21 days prescribed by Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Haruna added that the new actual dates was fixed by political parties themselves.

“Political parties are accordingly informed that they are free to fix the dates of their primaries within the approved period from the April 23 to May 30. It is imperative that parties adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth electoral process.

“The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.

“This means that the final deadline for the submission of political parties’ registers of members is extended to May 10, from April 21 originally contained in the revised Timetable,” he said. (NAN)