The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections for Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced this on Friday during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners, recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
“For Ekiti State, the election will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Political parties will conduct their primaries from October 20 to November 10, 2025,” Yakubu stated.
He explained that parties must upload nomination forms via the designated portal, which will close automatically at 6:00 p.m. on 22 December 2025 — exactly 180 days before the election. The Commission will publish the final list of candidates on January 18, 2026, and public campaigns will run from January 21 until 24 hours before the election.
For Osun State, the governorship poll is set for Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries will run from November 24, to December 15, 2025. The deadline for uploading nomination forms is 6:00 p.m. on February 9, 2026. INEC will publish the final list of candidates on 9 March, and campaigns will be allowed from 11 March until the eve of the election.
Yakubu noted that the full timetable and schedule of activities for both elections have been posted on INEC’s website and social media channels for public access and guidance.
He also addressed public concerns over outstanding bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.
“We now have 17 bye-elections pending. We understand the urgency, especially with the Anambra governorship election approaching. We are finalising preparations for both the CVR and bye-elections, and will release full details shortly,” Yakubu assured.
He added that INEC is also concluding arrangements for bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.