The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Ekiti and Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Osun.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The appointments were recently approved by the National Assembly.
Professor Yakubu noted that preparations are also ongoing for several bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across Nigeria. According to him, the commission has made public the full election timetable for both Ekiti and Osun on its official website and social media platforms.
For Ekiti State, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between October 20 and November 10, 2025. After that, the nomination forms must be uploaded on INEC’s online portal no later than 6:00 p.m. on December 22, 2025. The list of approved candidates will be shared on January 18, 2026. Campaigns are scheduled to begin on January 21 and must end 24 hours before election day.
In Osun State, the timeline differs slightly. Party primaries will be held from November 24 to December 15, 2025. The nomination submission deadline is February 9, 2026, while the final list of candidates will be made public on March 9, 2026. Political campaigns in Osun will kick off on March 11 and wrap up a day before the election.
Yakubu stated, “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.”
He also noted that the last elections in Ekiti and Osun were conducted in 2022, and since the tenure of the current governors will end in 2026, new elections must be held accordingly.
On the deployment of the new RECs, Yakubu confirmed that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have full representation. Among the new assignments, Sa’ad Idris will serve in Gombe, Johnson Sinikiem in Cross River, Feyijimi Ibiyemi in Ogun, Mukhtar Gajiram in Taraba, Chukwuemeka Ibeziako in Abia, and Umar Garba in Sokoto.
“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty. As RECs, you are the representatives of the commission in the various states to which you will be deployed shortly,” Yakubu reminded the appointees.
He further urged the new officials to act responsibly and within the legal frameworks guiding INEC’s operations. He warned against any form of misconduct or actions that could bring disrepute to the commission, stressing that all commissioners will be held accountable for their actions.
In response, Idris, speaking for the new RECs, said, “As we assume the new role, we do so with a clear understanding of the weight of the responsibility before us.”
He also noted their readiness to partner with all electoral stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and the media. He stressed the importance of voter education and making sure every ballot counts.
Finally, Professor Yakubu addressed public concern over the delay in conducting bye-elections and restarting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). He said there are currently 17 pending bye-elections, but the commission is finalising its preparations and will soon release full details.
