The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. The elections are scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2026 (Ekiti) and Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Osun), as announced by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu also hinted at forthcoming bye-elections and the eagerly awaited resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the country.
Election Timetable Highlights
Ekiti State Governorship Election – Saturday, July 20, 2026
Party Primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
Deadline for Uploading Nomination Forms: 6:00 PM, December 22, 2025
Final List of Candidates Published: January 18, 2026
Campaign Period: January 21 – July 18, 2026
Osun State Governorship Election – Saturday, August 8, 2026
Party Primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
Nomination Portal Closes: 6:00 PM, February 9, 2026
Final List of Candidates Published: March 9, 2026
Campaign Period: March 11 – August 6, 2026
Yakubu emphasized that these timelines comply with the legal mandate requiring election notices to be published no later than 360 days before election day. Full details are available on INEC’s website and social media platforms.
New Resident Electoral Commissioners Sworn In
The INEC Chairman also administered the oath of office to six newly appointed RECs, with a simultaneous reshuffling of postings to ensure nationwide coverage:
Sa’ad Idris – Gombe
Johnson Sinikiem – Cross River
Feyijimi Ibiyemi – Ogun
Mukhtar Gajiram – Taraba
Chukwuemeka Ibeziako – Abia
Umar Garba – Sokoto
Professor Yakubu reiterated that the redeployments are routine administrative measures to strengthen the Commission’s capacity and integrity. He warned all RECs to remain impartial, accountable, and fully compliant with the Electoral Act and INEC’s code of conduct.
What’s Next? Bye-Elections and Voter Registration Update
On the heels of the governorship announcement, Professor Yakubu acknowledged mounting public interest in the 17 pending bye-elections and the recommencement of CVR, especially ahead of the Anambra governorship election.
He assured Nigerians that INEC is in the final stages of preparation and will announce comprehensive schedules for both activities soon.
Commitment to Integrity and Democracy
Speaking on behalf of the new commissioners, Sa’ad Idris pledged loyalty to the Constitution and INEC’s core principles. He assured Nigerians of their dedication to free, fair, and credible elections, with emphasis on voter education, citizen participation, and ensuring that every vote counts.
