Nigeria, July 12 -- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the list of their candidates for next year's presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mohammed Harun, INEC said the deadline has been extended from Saturday, 11 July, to Tuesday, 14 July, midnight.

"The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline," the statement said.

Mr Haruna said it is committed to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the auspices of the Electoral Act....