By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
INEC announced the three-day extension in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on Sunday, July 12.
The electoral commission extended the date from the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11, to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The commission explained that it extended the deadline following a request from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which appealed on behalf of political parties that could not complete the upload of their candidates’ details within the earlier scheduled deadline.
“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 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 decision to extend was based on an appeal from 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 statement read.
INEC said the decision was aimed at promoting inclusiveness in the 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 Commission stated.
The electoral commission also called on political parties to use the extended period to complete the upload of all required information before the revised deadline.
“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,” it added.
