The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, reversing its earlier stance that no further extension would be granted.

 

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission announced that the submission deadline, which had expired on Saturday, July 11, has been moved by three days to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

 

INEC had previously maintained that the deadline would remain unchanged despite concerns raised by several political parties over technical challenges encountered while uploading candidates’ details through its nomination portal.

 

 

According to the commission, the decision to grant an extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, which requested additional time on behalf of the affected political parties.

 

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

 

 

“The Independent National Electoral Commission 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.

 

INEC confirmed that the revised timetable has shifted the deadline from Saturday, July 11, to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

 

“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,” the commission stated.

 

The electoral body explained that the extension was granted to encourage wider participation while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

 

“The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law,” it said.

 

INEC urged all political parties to make effective use of the additional three-day window to complete the upload of their candidates’ names and personal particulars 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 added.