The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for extending the deadline for uploading Presidential and National Assembly candidates by three days.
The exercise, initially scheduled to conclude on Saturday, 11th July 2026, will now run until Tuesday, 14th July 2026, following a request from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, the SDP praised INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), for demonstrating “magnanimity, understanding, and responsiveness” in granting the extension.
The party noted that the additional time would allow political parties to address outstanding administrative challenges and complete their candidate uploads. The extension is particularly significant given that parties effectively lost the first three days of the exercise, which commenced on 26th June 2026, due to circumstances beyond their control.
The SDP also expressed gratitude to IPAC leadership, under Hon. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, for its constructive engagement and effective advocacy on behalf of registered political parties.
“This decision demonstrates INEC’s commitment to inclusiveness, fairness, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic process,” Professor Gombe stated. “The successful outcome of this intervention underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and mutual respect among key stakeholders.”
The party further described the cooperation between INEC and IPAC as a “remarkable demonstration” that would foster institutional trust and greater collaboration among democratic actors.
The extension affects all 18 registered political parties participating in the upcoming general elections.
