The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, shifting the closing date to Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The electoral body announced on Sunday that the submission window, which was initially due to close on Saturday, July 11, 2026, will now remain open until midnight on Tuesday to allow affected political parties to complete the nomination process.
INEC said the decision followed a request from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which informed the commission that several political parties were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates before the original deadline.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the extension was approved to ensure all political parties are given a fair opportunity to finalise their submissions.
“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,” the statement read.
It 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.”
INEC explained that the extension was granted after considering IPAC’s appeal on behalf of the affected political parties.
“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,” the commission said.
The commission noted that the move demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains inclusive while operating within the provisions 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 added.
INEC also urged political parties to take advantage of the additional time to upload all required information before the revised deadline expires.
“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 said.
