The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will hold on Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during the swearing-in ceremony for six newly confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), an event held in Abuja on Friday.
Yakubu stated that preparations are also in progress to conduct by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats at both the national and state levels.
For Ekiti, the electoral calendar shows that party primaries will take place from October 20 to November 10, 2025. Political parties are expected to upload their nomination forms by 6:00 p.m. on December 22, 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, and campaigns will officially run from January 21 until 24 hours before the polls.
“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,” Yakubu explained.
He added, “The last governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun were held in June and July 2022, and the governors’ four-year terms will end next year. Therefore, the commission has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 elections.”
As for Osun State, party primaries are scheduled for November 24 to December 15, 2025. The nomination portal will close by 6:00 p.m. on February 9, 2026. The final candidate list will be released on March 9, and campaigns will commence on March 11.
Yakubu stated, “The final list of candidates will be published on 9th March 2026, while campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.”
He confirmed that the full schedule has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media pages to ensure public access and guide political stakeholders accordingly.
INEC deploys RECs
Meanwhile, some RECs have been redeployed as part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve electoral preparedness. The affected officials include Sa’ad Idris (Gombe), Johnson Sinikiem (Cross River), Feyijimi Ibiyemi (Ogun), Mukhtar Gajiram (Taraba), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Abia), and Umar Garba (Sokoto).
“These redeployments are necessary to support the Commission’s work ahead of the upcoming elections,” Yakubu noted.
Speaking to the newly sworn-in commissioners, Yakubu reminded them of the weight of their responsibility. “With the swearing-in of six RECs today, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty. You are now the Commission’s representatives in your assigned states. The work is undoubtedly challenging, but your collective experience justifies the trust placed in you.”
He emphasised that the redeployments were administrative and routine, but could be repeated as needed. He further cautioned the RECs to remain accountable, uphold the law, and maintain public trust.
“You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the commission without consequences. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions,” Yakubu warned.
He also addressed concerns surrounding the delay in conducting pending bye-elections and restarting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process nationwide.
“The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17,” he confirmed. “We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly given 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.”
