INEC extends deadline for submission of 2027 presidential, National Assembly candidates

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 commission announced on Sunday that political parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, 14 July, to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, 11 July.

According to INEC, the decision followed requests from political parties that were unable to complete the submission process within the stipulated timeframe.

In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the appeal was conveyed to the commission by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of the affected parties.

He said several political parties had sought additional time to upload the details of their candidates through INEC’s online nomination portal.

“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,” Mr Haruna said.

Under the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties are required to submit the names and credentials of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates within the period prescribed by the Electoral Act.

INEC said the extension would ensure that all eligible political parties have a fair opportunity to comply with the nomination requirements while keeping the electoral timetable on course.

The commission urged political parties yet to complete the process to use the additional time to finalise and upload all necessary documents 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,” the statement added.

The extension comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with candidate nomination and verification expected to precede the commencement of campaigns in line with the commission’s electoral timetable.