INEC Sets Ekiti And Osun Governorship Elections For June 20 And August 8, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), who were recently confirmed by the National Assembly.

Yakubu said the commission had approved the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections in accordance with the law, which mandates INEC to publish notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the election date.

Ekiti Election Timeline

According to the timetable, party primaries in Ekiti State will run from October 20 to November 10, 2025. Political parties must submit their nomination forms no later than 6 p.m. on December 22, 2025.

The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, while official campaigns are scheduled to begin on January 21 and will end 24 hours before the election.

“For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026,” Yakubu said. “The portal for nomination forms will automatically shut down by 6 p.m. on 22nd December 2025 — not later than 180 days before the election.”

Osun Election Timeline

In Osun State, party primaries are expected to take place between November 24 and December 15, 2025. The deadline for uploading nomination forms is 6 p.m. on February 9, 2026.

The final candidate list will be published on March 9, 2026, and campaigns will run from March 11 until a day before the election.

Yakubu emphasized that the detailed timetable for both states has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access and guidance.

New RECs Deployed Nationwide

As part of INEC’s ongoing preparations for the elections, six new RECs were deployed across the country. They include:

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

Yakubu explained that the redeployment of RECs is a routine administrative process and may occur again if necessary.

“With the swearing-in of six RECs today, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said. “You must always act in good conscience and never betray your oath of office. Stakeholder engagement and respect for the legal framework must guide your actions.”

He warned that any act of defiance or misconduct would not go unpunished.

Pending Bye-Elections And Voter Registration

Yakubu also addressed public concerns over the delay in conducting pending bye-elections and the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). According to him, the number of pending bye-elections has risen to 17.

“We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly with the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State,” he said. “Preparations are in the final stages and full details will be made public soon.”

New RECs Reaffirm Commitment

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed RECs, Sa’ad Idris pledged the group’s commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all INEC policies.

“As we assume this role, we understand the weight of the responsibility before us,” he said. “We pledge to discharge our duties with integrity, impartiality, and professionalism. The credibility of elections rests not only on systems but on the character of those entrusted to manage them.”

He highlighted voter education and increased citizen participation as top priorities, promising that the new RECs would work closely with stakeholders to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.