RismadarVoice Reporters, May 11, 2026
Political parties across Nigeria intensified last-minute efforts on Saturday to submit updated membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the deadline for preparations toward the 2027 general elections.
The rush followed the commission’s extension of the submission deadline to May 10, 2026, in line with its electoral timetable, which requires parties to submit verified membership lists at least 21 days before their primaries.
The directive is part of preparations for party primaries scheduled to end by May 30, making compliance with the register submission a key requirement for participation in the nomination process.
Several opposition parties confirmed compliance or ongoing submissions amid growing political tension over possible disqualifications and internal coalition negotiations.
The New Nigeria People’s Party said it had already surpassed the minimum membership requirement and submitted its register in multiple volumes, according to its National Chairman, Yusuf Bala.
The Social Democratic Party also confirmed compliance, with party officials insisting the submission had been completed ahead of INEC verification exercises.
Similarly, the Labour Party said it had met all statutory requirements, noting a growing membership spread across different regions of the country.
Other parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Young Progressives Party, also confirmed submission of their registers in compliance with the electoral guidelines.
The African Action Congress likewise affirmed that it had met the deadline requirements.
INEC maintained that strict adherence to the Electoral Act remains essential for transparency in party administration and candidate nomination processes.
The commission explained that verified membership registers are necessary to authenticate party membership and ensure compliance during congresses and primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
