INEC Gives Political Parties Fresh 72-Hour Lifeline for 2027 Candidate Submission

• INEC shifts deadline for presidential and National Assembly nominations to midnight, July 14.
• Extension follows appeal by IPAC after parties reported difficulties uploading candidates’ details.
• INEC urges parties to use the extra window to complete submissions, stressing commitment to an inclusive electoral process.

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, granting political parties an additional 72 hours to conclude the process.

The commission announced on Sunday that the new deadline is midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11, 2026, contained in its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election.

ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!

The extension was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the online submission of their candidates’ information before the original deadline.

READ ALSO: PDP Crisis Puts 1,393 Legislative Tickets on the Line Ahead of INEC Deadline

Announcing the development, the commission said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by political parties.”

It added that “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.”

INEC explained that several political parties encountered challenges uploading the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the stipulated period, prompting IPAC to seek additional time.

“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,” the commission stated.

The electoral umpire said the extension reflects its determination to ensure that all registered political parties are given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process without compromising 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,” Haruna said.

INEC also urged political parties to make effective use of the additional time by completing all required uploads before the revised 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 extension applies to the submission of candidates for the 2027 presidential election, Senate and House of Representatives polls, while the timetable for governorship and State House of Assembly nominations remains unchanged under the commission’s election schedule.