2027: INEC extends deadline for submission of Presidential, National Assembly candidates’ list

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and particulars of their candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections by three days.

The commission announced on Sunday that the deadline, which was initially scheduled to end on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

INEC said the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that encountered difficulties uploading the names and personal particulars of their candidates through the commission’s nomination portal.

In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the electoral body said the extension was intended to ensure that all parties are given a fair opportunity to complete the nomination process.

“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 statement read.

According to the commission, the extension reflects its commitment to inclusivity and adherence to the provisions of the law governing the electoral process.

“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law,” Haruna stated.

INEC urged political parties yet to complete the process to take advantage of the additional window and ensure that all required information is uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline.

The submission of candidates’ details marks a critical stage in preparations for the 2027 general election.

Under the revised timetable earlier released by the commission, political parties were required to upload nomination forms and candidates’ particulars for the Presidential and National Assembly elections between June 27 and July 11, 2026, through the dedicated Candidate Nomination Portal.

The revised electoral timetable was introduced after changes in the legal framework governing elections, which led to an adjustment of key pre-election activities and election dates.

Under the schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Following the close of nominations, INEC is expected to publish the personal particulars of candidates submitted by political parties, allowing members of the public and stakeholders to scrutinise the information as provided under the electoral process.

The publication of candidates’ particulars for the Presidential and National Assembly elections is scheduled for August 14, 2026.

INEC reiterated that no further delay should be expected and urged all parties to comply with the revised deadline to avoid disqualification from the nomination process.