The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially set dates for the next governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The elections are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Ekiti, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Osun.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja. He explained that the Commission is acting in accordance with the Electoral Act, which requires the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the election.
“In line with the requirements of the law, the Commission is under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.”
“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections. The last governorship elections in the two states were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the governors will end next year.”
“For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025 to enable political parties to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal which automatically shuts down by 6.00pm on 22nd December 2025, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election.”
“The final list of candidates will be published on 18th January 2026 while campaign in public by political parties will commence on 21st January 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.”
“In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, 8th August 2026. Party primaries will start on 24th November 2025 and end on 15th December 2025.”
“The portal for the upload of nomination forms by political parties closes at 6.00pm on 9th February 2026, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th March 2026, while campaigning in public by political parties will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.”
Yakubu confirmed that the full timetable has been made publicly available on INEC’s website and social media platforms for both political actors and the general public.
He also responded to increasing concerns over the delay in pending bye-elections and the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), saying preparations are in their final stages.
“The Commission is aware of the concern expressed by many Nigerians about the pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration nationwide. The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17.”
“We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public.”
