INEC deadline: Opposition parties rush to submit membership registers

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Nigeria's political landscape is buzzing with activity as opposition parties scramble to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) deadline for submitting membership registers. This critical submission, extended to May 10, 2026, is a non-negotiable step for parties intending to participate in primaries scheduled for later that month. The urgency reflects the high stakes involved, as failure to comply could lead to disqualification, jeopardizing the electoral ambitions of numerous aspirants and potentially impacting ongoing coalition talks.

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The register of party members must be submitted to INEC not later than 21 days before the holding of their respective primaries.

From the perspective of parties like the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), the submission is more than just a procedural formality; it's a demonstration of their organizational strength and widespread appeal. The NNPP, for instance, asserts it has not only surpassed INEC's minimum membership threshold but has submitted its register in multiple volumes, signifying a substantial national following across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Similarly, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have publicly stated their compliance, with the SDP even undergoing verification weeks prior to the deadline. These claims, while yet to be independently verified by INEC, paint a picture of a vibrant, albeit anxious, electoral preparation phase.

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We have passed the threshold of INEC that no party should have fewer than 5,000. We have met that and far surpassed it.

This race against time is a uniquely Nigerian political spectacle. While international observers might see it as a bureaucratic hurdle, for Nigerian political parties and their supporters, it represents a crucial opportunity to solidify their base and signal their readiness for the electoral contest. The emphasis on membership registers underscores the importance of party structure and grassroots mobilization in the Nigerian context. As The PUNCH reports, the varying degrees of confidence and the sheer volume of documentation involved highlight the complex logistical and political challenges inherent in managing a multi-party democracy of Nigeria's scale. The coming weeks will reveal which parties have successfully navigated this crucial preliminary step.

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We have complied with the membership register long before INEC officials visited us at the secretariat for verification a few weeks ago.