The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled the next governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for 2026, with voting in Ekiti set for June 20 and Osun following on August 8.
Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed the dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony for six newly confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Providing details, Yakubu outlined the electoral timelines for each state. “For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026,” he said. “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 6.00 pm 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.”
As for Osun State, Yakubu noted, “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 6.00 pm 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 the campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.”
He also confirmed that INEC has published the full schedule of activities for both elections online to provide clear guidance to political stakeholders and the general public.
In response to growing public concern, Yakubu addressed delays in bye-elections and the much-anticipated resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). “The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17,” he stated. “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.”
Yakubu also emphasized that preparations are underway to fill existing vacancies in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
