Opposition political parties across Nigeria on Saturday rushed to submit their membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the midnight deadline fixed for preparations towards the 2027 general elections.
The move followed the March 27 extension by INEC, wey shifted the deadline for submission of party membership registers to May 10, 2026.
According to the commission, political parties must submit their updated registers at least 21 days before conducting party primaries.
INEC also fixed May 30 as the final date for primaries, meaning parties planning to hold primaries on that date needed to submit their digital membership records before the deadline expired.
The development come amid growing concerns over possible disqualification of aspirants, internal party arrangements and ongoing coalition discussions among opposition groups.
Several opposition parties, during separate interviews, confirmed say dem don either complete the process or dey finalise documentation before the deadline elapsed.
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Yusuf Bala, said the party had already surpassed the minimum membership requirement set by INEC.
According to am, the NNPP membership register submitted to the commission came in three separate volumes because of the large number of registered members nationwide.
He explained say the party get supporters spread across Kano, Kaduna, North Central and other parts of the country, including all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Rufus Aiyenigba, disclosed say the SDP complied with the requirement long before INEC verification officials visited the party secretariat.
He added say the party submitted large volumes of registration documents and described the membership strength as encouraging, although he no provide exact figures.
Also confirming compliance, SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, simply stated that the party met the deadline successfully.
On its part, the Labour Party said it witnessed an unexpected rise in membership registrations from northern Nigeria.
LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, revealed say available party data showed stronger registration figures from the North compared to the South.
According to am, apart from Abia State where the party currently has a sitting governor, northern states recorded impressive registration numbers.
He specifically mentioned Taraba, Adamawa, Benue and parts of the North-East as areas where many aspirants purchased Labour Party nomination forms.
Asogwa also praised the acting leadership of the party, saying current efforts helped strengthen the Labour Party presence across northern Nigeria while maintaining internal stability.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress assured supporters say the party would meet the deadline in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, stated say there was no challenge regarding compliance, although he no disclose the exact membership figures.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance also confirmed compliance with the directive.
When contacted, APGA spokesman, Ejimofor Opara, confirmed briefly say the party had submitted its membership register.
In the same vein, the Young Progressives Party disclosed say it fulfilled all legal requirements demanded by INEC.
YPP National Publicity Secretary, Wale Egbeola-Martins, confirmed the development during an interview.
Publisher and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, also confirmed that the party complied with the deadline.
INEC had earlier insisted on strict obedience to the provisions of the Electoral Act guiding party administration and nomination procedures.
The commission explained say submission of membership registers remains important because it helps verify authentic party membership and monitor compliance during congresses and primaries.
According to INEC, the directive aligns with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to submit membership registers not later than 21 days before their primaries.
As the deadline closed in, political parties across Nigeria intensified registration drives, emergency consultations and coalition talks in efforts to avoid complications ahead of the 2027 elections.
