The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, scheduled to take place in mid-2026.
According to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Ekiti governorship election will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, while that of Osun State is set for Saturday, August 8, 2026. He announced in Abuja on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) recently approved by the National Assembly.
The early announcement is in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to release the notice of an election at least 360 days before the scheduled date. Both elections follow the expiration of the current governors’ four-year terms, which began in 2022.
Election Calendar and Key Dates
INEC has also approved a comprehensive timetable for political activities leading up to both elections:
Ekiti State
•Party Primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
•Deadline for Submission of Candidate Forms: December 22, 2025
•Final List of Candidates: January 18, 2026
•Campaign Period: January 21 – June 18, 2026
Osun State
•Party Primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
•Deadline for Submission of Candidate Forms: February 9, 2026
•Final List of Candidates: March 9, 2026
•Campaign Period: March 11 – August 6, 2026
Yakubu emphasized that political parties are expected to adhere strictly to these timelines, especially regarding submission of nomination forms via INEC’s online portal, which will automatically close at the stated deadlines. Preparations for Bye-elections and Voter Registration
The INEC Chairman also addressed concerns about pending bye-elections and the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), revealing that 17 bye-elections are currently pending across the country. He assured the public that the Commission is finalizing arrangements for both the bye-elections and the voter registration exercise, particularly in preparation for the Anambra governorship election slated for later in 2025.
