By Our Correspondent
National News – Opposition political parties in Nigeria are rushing to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission deadline for submitting updated membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The deadline, fixed for May 10, 2026, followed INEC’s directive that all political parties must submit their membership records at least 21 days before conducting party primaries.
The development has triggered intense political activities across the country, with parties holding emergency meetings, registration drives and coalition discussions to avoid disqualification of aspirants.
INEC stated that the process is necessary to verify authentic party membership and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
The New Nigeria People’s Party confirmed it had already submitted its membership register in three volumes.
The party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Bala, disclosed that the NNPP exceeded INEC’s minimum membership requirement and maintained strong support across several states, including Kano, Kaduna and parts of the North Central region.
The Social Democratic Party also announced compliance with the directive.
SDP spokesman Rufus Aiyenigba revealed that the party completed the process before INEC’s verification visit.
National Chairman Shehu Gabam equally confirmed that the party met the deadline.
The Labour Party said it witnessed an unexpected rise in membership registration across northern Nigeria.
According to LP spokesman Ken Asogwa, states like Taraba, Adamawa and Benue recorded high registration figures, showing increasing support for the party in the region.
Other opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party and African Action Congress, also stated that they complied with INEC’s directive before the deadline expired.
INEC explained that strict adherence to the Electoral Act would help guarantee transparent party primaries and strengthen democratic processes before the 2027 elections.
