The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, June 20 and Saturday, August 8, respectively.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates on Friday, May 30, during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
“For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025 to enable political parties to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which automatically shuts down by 6.00 pm on 22nd December 2025, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election,” he said.
According to him, the final list of candidates for Ekiti will be published on January 18, 2026, while political campaigns will begin on January 21 and end 24 hours before election day.
For Osun State, Yakubu said the election will take place on Saturday, 8th August 2026, with party primaries scheduled between November 24 and December 15, 2025.
“The portal for the upload of nomination forms by political parties closes at 6.00 pm on 9th February 2026, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election.
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“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th March 2026, while the campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day,” he added.
He noted that the full timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been published on INEC’s official website and social media platforms to guide political parties and inform the public.
Yakubu also addressed rising public concerns over the delay in bye-elections and the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
“The Commission is aware of the concern expressed by many Nigerians about the pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.
“The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17. We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of 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,” he said.
He added that INEC is also concluding plans to fill vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly.