The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for the submission of candidates’ names and personal particulars for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections by three days, following appeals from political parties.
The commission announced in a statement on Sunday that the new deadline is midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The statement, signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the extension was approved after the Inter Party Advisory Council appealed on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the upload of their candidates’ details within the stipulated period.
According to INEC, the decision is aimed at ensuring that all eligible political parties are given a fair opportunity to comply with the nomination process while remaining within the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The statement read, “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 deadline for submission in the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, being Saturday, July 11, 2026, has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.”
INEC said the extension underscored its commitment to inclusivity and fairness in the electoral process, while maintaining compliance with the law.
The commission urged political parties to make effective use of the additional three-day window by completing the upload of their candidates’ names and personal particulars through its online nomination portal before the new deadline.
The extension comes amid reports that several political parties experienced technical and logistical difficulties in meeting the initial deadline, prompting IPAC to seek more time on their behalf.
With the revised deadline, political parties are expected to conclude the nomination process for candidates seeking to contest the presidential and National Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
