- 2027: Opposition Parties Rush To Meet INEC Deadline
- Labour Party reported stronger membership growth in northern Nigeria.
- INEC insisted compliance is mandatory before party primaries begin.
Opposition political parties across Nigeria on Saturday rushed to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission deadline for the submission of updated membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed INEC’s earlier extension of the deadline from March 27 to May 10, 2026, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act guiding party primaries and candidate nominations.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the electoral commission had stated that political parties must submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primaries. With May 30 fixed as the final date for party primaries, May 9 effectively became the deadline for submission of registers by parties planning to hold primaries on the last approved day.
The race against time reportedly created anxiety among political parties amid fears that failure to comply could affect aspirants and coalition arrangements ahead of the election season.
Several opposition parties, however, confirmed compliance with the directive in separate interviews with The PUNCH.
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Yusuf Bala, disclosed that the party had exceeded INEC’s minimum membership requirement and submitted its register in three volumes.
According to him, the party has recorded strong membership growth across Kano, Kaduna, North Central and other parts of the country, with supporters spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Social Democratic Party also confirmed compliance with the electoral guidelines.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, stated that the SDP had completed the registration process long before INEC officials visited its secretariat for verification.
Similarly, SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, confirmed that the party met the deadline.
The Labour Party also revealed that it was witnessing an unexpected increase in membership registrations across northern Nigeria.
Labour Party spokesman, Ken Asogwa, said internal party data showed stronger registration figures in parts of the North than in the South, particularly in Taraba, Adamawa, Benue and parts of the North-East.
Other political parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party and the African Action Congress, also confirmed compliance with the INEC directive.
Publisher and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed that the AAC had submitted its register as required.
INEC maintained that the submission of membership registers remains a key legal requirement that enables the commission to monitor party primaries and verify compliance with democratic procedures ahead of the 2027 elections.
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