The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election.
The commission announced on Sunday, July 12, that political parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to complete the submission process through its online nomination portal.
The decision marks a reversal of INEC’s earlier position that the July 11 deadline would not be extended despite complaints from several political parties about technical difficulties encountered during the upload process.
INEC said the extension followed a request from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which appealed for additional time on behalf of political parties affected by the challenges.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
“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,” Haruna said.
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Haruna explained that the deadline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election had been shifted by three days.
“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,” Haruna said.
According to the commission, the extension is intended to promote broader participation while ensuring compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The extension underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices while acting within the ambit of the law,” Haruna said.
INEC urged political parties to use the additional time to complete the upload of their candidates‘ names and personal particulars 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,” Haruna said.