2027 Elections: INEC Bows to Appeals, Extends Candidate Submission Deadline
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended by three days the deadline for political parties to submit the names and particulars of their candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The extension comes after the commission had earlier insisted that the deadline, which expired on Saturday, July 11, 2026, would not be shifted despite complaints from several political parties over technical challenges encountered on its candidate nomination portal.
Announcing the development in a statement issued on Sunday, INEC said the new deadline for submission is now midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The statement, signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which sought additional time on behalf of the affected political parties.
According to the commission, the extension is aimed at ensuring broader participation in the electoral process while remaining within the confines of the law.
“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.
INEC further stated: “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.”
The commission noted that the extension underscores its commitment to inclusivity and fairness in the electoral process and urged all political parties to take advantage of the additional window to complete the upload of their candidates’ names and personal particulars.
“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 statement added.
The latest development is expected to provide relief to political parties that had raised concerns over difficulties encountered in meeting the initial deadline for candidate submissions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
