The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to upload the names of their candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections from Saturday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The extension, according to the commission, followed growing appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the submission of their candidates’ particulars.
INEC announced the decision in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.
The commission said the submission window, which was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, August 8, in line with the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, would now remain open until Tuesday, August 11.
“The submission window, which, according to the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the general election, was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026,” the statement said.
INEC explained that the decision was taken in response to requests from political parties seeking more time to conclude the process.
“The extension follows growing appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the process,” Haruna said.
The development gives political parties an additional three days to upload the names and particulars of candidates who emerged from their governorship and State House of Assembly primaries onto the commission’s designated portal.
The extension comes as parties continue preparations for the 2027 general election, with the submission of candidates’ details constituting a critical stage in the electoral process.
INEC is expected to proceed with other activities in its revised timetable after the expiration of the extended deadline, as political parties finalise the documentation and submission of their candidates for the forthcoming elections.
