The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a fresh deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The commission announced on Sunday that the deadline, which was originally scheduled to end on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
According to INEC, the extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which said some political parties were unable to upload the names and personal details of their candidates before the initial deadline.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the decision was taken to give all political parties a fair opportunity to complete the nomination process.
“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 said the extension was granted after considering the request made by IPAC 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 electoral body explained that the move reflects its commitment to conducting an inclusive electoral process while remaining 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 all political parties to make good use of the additional time to complete the submission of their candidates’ details before the new 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.
