INEC extends deadline for parties to submit candidates

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted political parties an extension for submitting candidate lists for the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections. The deadline, initially set for Saturday, July 11, has been pushed to midnight on Tuesday, July 14.

According to a statement from INEC spokesperson Mohammed Harun, the decision to extend the deadline was prompted by an appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council. The council represented parties that encountered difficulties uploading the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the original timeframe.

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The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline.

Haruna emphasized INEC's commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its electoral processes, operating within the framework of the Electoral Act. He urged all political parties to utilize the additional time to meticulously upload all required candidate information before the new deadline expires.

This extension is part of INEC's broader timeline adjustments for the 2027 general elections. Previously, the commission had set primary election deadlines between April 23 and May 30, and extended the submission of membership registers to May 10. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections following on February 6, 2027.

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it is committed to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the auspices of the Electoral Act.