Several opposition political parties are scrambling to submit updated membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the deadline for preparations toward the 2027 general elections.
The rush follows INEC’s decision on March 27 to extend the deadline for submission of party membership registers to May 10, 2026.
According to the commission, “The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.”
INEC had earlier fixed May 30 as the final date for the conduct of party primaries, meaning political parties planning to hold primaries on that date were expected to submit their digital membership registers by May 9.
The development has heightened tension within opposition circles amid fears over possible disqualification of aspirants and lingering uncertainty surrounding coalition negotiations among political parties ahead of the elections.
Several party officials, in separate interviews, disclosed that they were either concluding the submission process or had already complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Yusuf Bala, stated that the party had already exceeded INEC’s minimum membership requirement and submitted its register in multiple volumes.
The rush by opposition parties comes at a critical stage in Nigeria’s political calendar, as parties intensify preparations for primaries and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential, governorship, and legislative elections.
