The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral umpire announced that political parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to complete the submission process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under the commission’s election timetable, parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial deadline.
According to INEC, the extension was approved after several political parties requested more time to complete the process.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the request was forwarded through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
“The decision to extend was based on the 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,” Haruna said.
The commission explained that the additional time would ensure all eligible political parties have a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process within the provisions of the law.
INEC also urged political parties to make good use of the extension by completing and uploading all required documents 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.
The electoral body reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
