The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election by three days, following appeals from political parties that encountered technical and logistical challenges during the nomination process. The new deadline is now midnight, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Nigeria’s electoral umpire has granted political parties additional time to complete one of the most critical stages of preparations for the 2027 general election after extending the deadline for the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates.

The decision comes as several parties raced against time to upload candidates’ names and personal particulars through INEC’s online nomination portal before the original deadline expired.

INEC announced that the submission deadline, originally fixed for Saturday, July 11, 2026, has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the extension followed an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on behalf of political parties that were unable to complete the nomination process within the stipulated timeframe.

According to the Commission, several political parties experienced difficulties uploading candidates’ names and required documents through the nomination portal.

INEC said granting the additional three-day window reflects its commitment to ensuring inclusivity while remaining within the provisions of the Electoral Act and the timetable for the 2027 general election. It urged all parties yet to complete the process to take advantage of the extension before the revised deadline expires.

The submission of candidates marks one of the final stages before the official campaign period begins, making the deadline a crucial milestone for all participating political parties.

The extension is expected to provide relief for parties still resolving nomination issues or experiencing technical delays, while ensuring broader participation in the electoral process.

With the revised deadline now set for Tuesday, July 14, attention shifts back to political parties as they move to finalise their presidential and National Assembly tickets. INEC has maintained that no further extension should be assumed and urged parties to complete all uploads within the new timeframe.