INEC Announces Timetable for Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official schedule for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, set to take place in 2026.

According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Ekiti governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, while Osun voters will head to the polls on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Yakubu made this announcement on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), recently confirmed by the National Assembly.

Key Dates for Ekiti Governorship Election:

Party Primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
Deadline for Nomination Uploads: December 22, 2025 (6:00 PM)
Final List of Candidates: January 18, 2026
Campaign Period: January 21 – June 19, 2026

Key Dates for Osun Governorship Election:

Party Primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
Deadline for Nomination Uploads: February 9, 2026 (6:00 PM)
Final List of Candidates: March 9, 2026
Campaign Period: March 11 – August 7, 2026

Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the timetable adheres strictly to legal requirements, which mandate that notices for major elections be issued at least 360 days before the election date.

He also revealed that INEC is finalizing arrangements for a series of bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the national and state assemblies.

To ensure transparency and accessibility, Yakubu confirmed that detailed schedules for the Ekiti and Osun elections have been published on INEC’s official website and social media platforms.

Resident Electoral Commissioners Redeployed

As part of internal restructuring, INEC has redeployed several Resident Electoral Commissioners to new postings. The changes include:

Sa’ad Idris – Gombe State
Johnson Sinikiem – Cross River State
Feyijimi Ibiyemi – Ogun State
Mukhtar Gajiram – Taraba State
Chukwuemeka Ibeziako – Abia State
Umar Garba – Sokoto State

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in both states and called on political parties and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the published timelines.

Source
Daily Trust

Related Posts: