Countdown Begins: INEC Announces Timetable for 2026 Ekiti and Osun Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, scheduled for Saturday, 20 June, and Saturday, 8 August, 2026, respectively.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners, recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
“For Ekiti State, the governorship election will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Party primaries are expected to begin on 20 October 2025 and conclude on 10 November 2025. Political parties must upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which will automatically close by 6:00 p.m. on 22 December 2025—no later than 180 days before the election. The final list of candidates will be published on 18 January 2026, and campaigns by political parties will commence on 21 January 2026, ending 24 hours before the election,” Yakubu said.
“For Osun State, the election is scheduled for Saturday, 8 August 2026. Party primaries will be held between 24 November and 15 December 2025. The nomination portal will close at 6:00 p.m. on 9 February 2026, while the final list of candidates will be published on 9 March 2026. Public campaigns will run from 11 March 2026 until 24 hours before the polls.”
Yakubu added that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and the public.
He also addressed public concerns regarding pending bye-elections and the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.
“The number of pending bye-elections has risen to 17. We are mindful of the urgency of resuming CVR, particularly in view of the upcoming Anambra governorship election. We are finalising preparations for both activities and will make details public shortly,” he assured.
Yakubu further noted that the Commission is completing arrangements for bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies.
