The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The Ekiti governorship election will be held on Saturday, 20 June 2026, while that of Osun State is scheduled for Saturday, 8 August 2026.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu stated that the early release of the timetable is in line with legal provisions requiring the publication of election dates at least 360 days in advance.
According to the electoral body, political parties in Ekiti State will conduct their primaries between 20 October and 10 November 2025, with the final submission of candidates’ names and particulars due by 22 December 2025. Electioneering campaigns are permitted to commence on 21 January 2026 and must end 24 hours before polling day.
In Osun State, party primaries are to be held from 24 November to 15 December 2025, with candidate nominations due by 9 February 2026. Campaigns will officially begin on 11 March 2026 and will also conclude 24 hours before the election.
INEC noted that the scheduling of the elections takes into account the expiration of the current governors’ terms in 2026, following their elections in 2022.
Addressing broader electoral matters, Professor Yakubu also acknowledged growing public concern over the delay in conducting 17 outstanding bye-elections and restarting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide. He assured the public that preparations are in progress and that details will be made available soon, particularly in view of the approaching Anambra governorship poll.
INEC reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, promising free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
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