The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday formally issued the statutory notice for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, marking the official commencement of the electoral process.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, attended by political party representatives and other key actors. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to ensuring transparency, integrity, and credibility throughout the electoral process before, during, and after the polls.
Dr Omoseyindemi explained that the issuance of the election notice is in accordance with the Electoral Act, which mandates INEC to publish such notices no later than 360 days before the scheduled date of the election. INEC had previously declared 20 July 2026 as the date for the Ekiti governorship election.
“This meeting is both symbolic and strategic,” the REC stated.
“It signals the official start of the election process, while also serving as a platform for collaboration among political parties, the media, and other stakeholders, to collectively safeguard the integrity, inclusiveness, and peaceful conduct of the election.”
He urged political parties to adhere strictly to legal and procedural frameworks in conducting their primaries, nominating candidates, and running campaigns. He stressed that full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines would be crucial to ensuring a credible and seamless process.
The REC further revealed that the election notice would be displayed at INEC’s state headquarters and in all local government area offices across Ekiti State.
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This, he said, would formally activate the election timetable and schedule of activities, to be made public immediately following the stakeholders’ engagement.
Omoseyindemi also referred to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s earlier announcement on 30 May 2025, in which the Commission approved the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The tenures of the current governors in both states are set to expire in 2026.
In his remarks, Dr Omoseyindemi called on the media to maintain professionalism and neutrality in their coverage of the electoral process, assuring them that INEC remains committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible election.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, Mr Daramola Owoola, lauded INEC for initiating early engagement with political stakeholders.
“INEC is demonstrating its readiness to be transparent in the conduct of the election,” Owoola remarked.
“As political parties, we are committed to maintaining peaceful and coordinated activities as we approach the election, to ensure the process is fair and free of tension for everyone involved.”
With the election notice now issued, all eyes are on the political players in Ekiti State as the journey to the 2026 governorship election officially begins.
