The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for June 20 and August 8, respectively.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Yakubu, Ekiti State’s governorship election will hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026, while Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Key Timelines for Ekiti:
- Party primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
- Deadline for nomination form uploads: December 22, 2025 (by 6 p.m.)
- Final candidate list publication: January 18, 2026
- Campaign window: January 21 – June 19, 2026
Key Timelines for Osun:
- Party primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
- Nomination form upload deadline: February 9, 2026 (by 6 p.m.)
- Final list publication: March 9, 2026
- Campaign window: March 11 – August 7, 2026
Yakubu emphasized that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been made available on INEC’s official website and social media channels to guide political parties and inform the public.
On Bye-Elections and Voter Registration:
The INEC chairman acknowledged public concern over pending bye-elections, now totaling 17, and the delayed resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). He assured Nigerians that preparations are underway and details will soon be announced, especially in light of the upcoming Anambra governorship election.
New RECs Sworn In:
Yakubu also swore in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners:
- Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris – Gombe State
- Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem – Cross River
- Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi – Ogun State
- Mukhtar Umar Gajiram – Taraba State
- Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako – Abia State
- Umar Yusuf Garba – Sokoto State
He urged the new RECs to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality:
“You must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office. Engage stakeholders regularly and be open to genuine criticism,” Yakubu said.
