The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The commission announced that the deadline, initially set for Saturday, July 11, has now been shifted to midnight on Tuesday, July 14.

According to the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates by the earlier deadline.

INEC explained that the extension followed requests from several political parties that were unable to meet the initial timeline.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

He noted that the council sought additional time on behalf of parties yet to complete the upload of their candidates’ details.

“The decision to extend the deadline 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,” the statement read.

INEC emphasized that the extension underscores its commitment to inclusivity while remaining within the bounds of the law.

The commission also urged political parties to take full advantage of the extension to complete the submission process before the new deadline expires.

“The Commission enjoined political parties to utilise this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.