INEC Extends Deadline for 2027 Governorship, Assembly Candidate Submissions
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Mordi Azubuike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their governorship and State House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 General Election.
The electoral commission said the extension was granted following appeals from political parties seeking additional time to complete the submission and upload of candidates’ details on its dedicated online portal.
The new deadline is Tuesday, August 11, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the commission, the extension is intended to provide political parties with additional time to complete the necessary processes for the submission of their candidates in line with the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 elections.
INEC urged all political parties yet to complete their submissions to take advantage of the additional period and ensure that their candidates’ information is uploaded correctly before the new deadline expires.
The commission’s decision comes at a crucial stage in preparations for the 2027 General Election, with political parties currently working to conclude their internal nomination processes and meet statutory requirements ahead of the polls.
The governorship and State House of Assembly elections are expected to attract significant political attention as parties intensify preparations for what is likely to be a highly competitive electoral cycle across the country.
The submission of candidates’ particulars is a critical component of the electoral timetable, as it enables INEC to process and publish the list of candidates who will contest the various elective positions.
Political parties are therefore expected to use the additional days to address any outstanding issues relating to the submission of their candidates and ensure compliance with the commission’s guidelines.
The electoral body has continued to emphasise the importance of political parties adhering strictly to the approved timetable and schedule of activities to avoid complications as the 2027 elections approach.
With the revised deadline now set for Tuesday, August 11, parties have only a limited window to complete their submissions on the dedicated portal.
The extension also underscores the importance of cooperation between INEC and political parties in ensuring a smooth electoral process.
INEC has consequently called on all affected parties to utilise the opportunity provided by the extension and complete their submissions within the new timeframe.
The 2027 General Election is expected to feature contests for the presidency, governorships, National Assembly seats and State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria.
As preparations gather momentum, INEC is expected to continue releasing updates on the electoral timetable and other activities leading to the polls.
