2027 Race: Political Parties Scramble to Meet INEC Membership Deadline

Political parties across Nigeria moved swiftly over the weekend to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for the submission of updated membership registers ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The deadline, which expired at midnight on May 10, followed an earlier extension granted by INEC to allow parties finalise their membership documentation before the conduct of party primaries later this month.

Under the Electoral Act, political parties are required to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before holding primaries, with May 30 fixed as the final date for primary elections.

Several opposition parties confirmed compliance with the directive, while others said they were concluding final processes before the deadline elapsed.

The New Nigeria People’s Party disclosed that it had already submitted its register, claiming a strong membership spread across the country. Party officials said the NNPP had exceeded INEC’s minimum membership requirement and continued to gain support in different regions.

The Social Democratic Party also stated that it completed the process before INEC’s verification exercise, noting that the party’s membership figures had grown significantly in recent months.

Similarly, the Labour Party announced that it had complied with the requirements, revealing what it described as a surprising rise in registrations from northern states. According to party officials, membership growth in parts of the North has outpaced some southern regions, reflecting broader national interest ahead of the elections.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress expressed confidence that it would meet the submission deadline in line with the Electoral Act, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party, and African Action Congress also confirmed compliance.

INEC has maintained that strict adherence to electoral guidelines is necessary to ensure transparency in party administration and candidate nomination processes. The commission said the submission of membership registers allows it to verify party structures and monitor the conduct of congresses and primaries.

The deadline triggered intense political activity nationwide, with parties holding emergency meetings, accelerating membership drives, and intensifying coalition discussions as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

#UTVAfrica#