The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, fixing them for Saturday, 20th June 2026, and Saturday, 8th August 2026, respectively.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
Professor Yakubu also revealed that the Commission is finalising arrangements for the conduct of outstanding by-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly. He emphasised that, in accordance with the provisions of the law, INEC is required to publish notices for major elections no later than 360 days before the election date.
“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections,” Yakubu stated. “The last governorship elections in the two states were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the incumbent governors will expire next year.”
For Ekiti State, the timetable is as follows:
The governorship election will be conducted on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
Party primaries are scheduled to hold between 20th October and 10th November 2025.
Political parties are to upload their nomination forms by 6:00 pm on 22nd December 2025, as the portal will automatically close at that time.
The final list of candidates will be published on 18th January 2026.
Political campaigns are permitted from 21st January 2026, ending 24 hours before election day.
For Osun State:
The governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, 8th August 2026.
Party primaries will hold between 24th November and 15th December 2025.
The nomination portal will close at 6:00 pm on 9th February 2026.
The final list of candidates will be published on 9th March 2026.
Campaigns will commence on 11th March 2026, ending 24 hours before election day.
The detailed timetable for both elections has been published on the Commission’s website and social media platforms to guide political parties and the public.
In addition, Professor Yakubu announced the redeployment of some Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country. The affected RECs include:
Sa’ad Idris to Gombe State,
Johnson Sinikiem to Cross River State,
Feyijimi Ibiyemi to Ogun State,
Mukhtar Gajiram to Taraba State,
Chukwuemeka Ibeziako to Abia State, and
Umar Garba to Sokoto State.
Yakubu explained that these redeployments are routine administrative decisions necessary to support the Commission’s work, particularly in the lead-up to major elections. He noted that further
redeployments may occur as circumstances require.“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. “It is therefore appropriate to start by congratulating the new RECs who have just taken the oath of office. The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty.”
Yakubu urged the new RECs to strictly adhere to the electoral legal framework, the Code of Conduct for RECs, and the Commission’s guidelines and regulations.
“You must never act independently or in violation of the law, the regulations and guidelines, or the Commission’s directives. We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression on the part of any Resident Electoral Commissioner,” he warned.
He also addressed growing public concerns about the delay in conducting pending by-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. He confirmed that the number of pending by-elections has risen to 17 and assured Nigerians that preparations for both the CVR and the by-elections are nearing completion, with full details to be announced soon.
“The Commission is aware of the concern expressed by many Nigerians about the pending by-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration nationwide. We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public,” Yakubu stated.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in RECs, Sa’ad Idris reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all guidelines and policies of INEC. He stressed the importance of integrity and dedication in ensuring credible elections and pledged to work closely with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies.
“As we assume the new role, we do so with a clear understanding of the weight of the responsibility before us. The role of a REC is central to the integrity of our electoral process and the sustenance of democracy. We are committed to upholding the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the policies of the Commission at all times,” Idris assured.
He further highlighted voter education and citizen participation as key priorities, promising to ensure that every vote counts in their respective areas of assignment.
