A chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its proactive action in adjusting the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers.
The Commission shifted the deadline from April 21 to May 10, 2026, as announced in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The Commission’s decision followed interactions with political party leaders earlier last week.
Reacting to the development, Hon. Ugochinyere described the adjustment as a positive and forward-looking measure, noting that it demonstrated INEC’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and efficient electoral processes.
He emphasised that the extension will give political parties sufficient time to organise their membership records properly, ensuring that all eligible members are accounted for in compliance with electoral regulations.
According to him, the move reflected the Commission’s dedication to transparency and fairness in the conduct of elections.
The lawmaker, therefore, urged political parties to take advantage of the extension to update and verify their membership data accurately.
He also called on INEC to continue engaging with stakeholders across the political spectrum to ensure that electoral processes are smooth, well-coordinated, and free from unnecessary disputes.
Hon. Ugochinyere reaffirmed his confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
The lawmaker commended the Commission’s leadership, particularly the chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing the decision as a “proactive step that strengthens democracy and encourages full participation by all political actors.”
