The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of candidates’ lists for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, giving political parties an additional three days to complete the nomination process.
The Commission announced that the deadline, which was initially scheduled to expire on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
According to INEC, the decision followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe.
The electoral body stated that the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring inclusiveness and fairness in the electoral process while operating within the provisions of the Electoral Act.
It urged all affected political parties to take advantage of the additional time to complete the submission of their candidates before the new deadline.
Reacting to the development, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said it had successfully met the original July 11 deadline, completing the upload of the names and particulars of all its presidential, vice-presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives candidates before the expiration of the timeline.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC argued that the extension exposed the opposition parties’ inability to effectively manage their internal nomination processes despite fielding fewer candidates than the ruling party.
The APC maintained that while INEC acted within its constitutional and administrative powers by granting the extension, the development raises concerns about the operational capacity and preparedness of opposition parties seeking to govern the country.
The party also described as ironic the opposition’s frequent allegations that the APC influences INEC’s decisions, noting that the same parties eventually relied on the electoral umpire’s discretion after failing to meet the original deadline.
According to the APC, its compliance with the initial deadline demonstrates the party’s organisational strength, discipline and commitment to due process.
The party called on its leaders, members and supporters nationwide to shift attention to grassroots mobilisation, voter engagement and an issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in securing another electoral victory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The extension by INEC marks another significant milestone in preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties now racing to conclude their nomination processes before the revised deadline.
