INEC extends presidential, National Assembly candidates’ submission deadline

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

The electoral body announced on Sunday that political parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to complete the submission process, instead of the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.

INEC made the announcement in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

The commission explained that the extension followed a request from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which appealed on behalf of political parties that could not complete the upload of their candidates’ details before the initial deadline.

“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,” the statement read.

It added, “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 said the decision was aimed at promoting inclusiveness in the electoral process while remaining within the provisions of the law.

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

The commission also called on political parties to use the extra time to complete the upload of all required information 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 extension followed challenges encountered by several political parties in meeting the original deadline for submitting the names and personal particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates through INEC’s online nomination portal.