INEC announces dates for 2026 Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, warns new RECs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed Saturday, July 20, 2026, for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the Osun State Governorship Election.

The announcement was made on Friday, May 30, by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. With these appointments, Yakubu confirmed that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now have fully designated RECs.

Key electoral dates for Ekiti and Osun

For Ekiti State, INEC outlined a detailed timeline:

• Party primaries: October 20 to November 10, 2025

• Nomination forms deadline: December 22, 2025, by 6:00 p.m.

• Final candidate list published: January 18, 2026

• Campaign window: January 21 – July 18, 2026

For Osun State, the schedule is:

• Party primaries: November 24 to December 15, 2025

• Nomination forms deadline: February 9, 2026, by 6:00 p.m.

• Final candidate list published: March 9, 2026

• Campaign window: March 11 – August 6, 2026

Yakubu emphasized that these dates were chosen in line with the Electoral Act, which mandates the release of official notices at least 360 days before the election.

“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections,” he said.

A stern warning to new RECs

In his address, Yakubu cautioned the newly sworn-in RECs to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, noting that their roles carry not just technical responsibility, but moral weight.

“As RECs, you are the representatives of the Commission in the various States to which you will be deployed shortly. You must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office,” he warned.

He added that while the RECs are the Commission’s eyes and ears in their respective states, they must never act independently of the legal and procedural framework or defy INEC’s central authority.

“We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression,” Yakubu stated firmly.

The six new RECs include two reappointed officials—Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem and Mukhtar Umar Gajiram—as well as four others from diverse backgrounds including public service and the private sector.

Yakubu also introduced two new National Commissioners—Prof. Sunday Nwambam Aja (South East) and Abdulrazak Tukur Yusuf (North West)—who were recently sworn in by the President.

Pending by-elections and voter registration

INEC acknowledged rising public pressure regarding 17 pending bye-elections and the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.

“We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of the forthcoming Governorship election in Anambra State,” Yakubu noted.
“We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public.”

The chairman also used the occasion to honour the memory of retired Major General Abubakar Modibbo Alkali, a former National Commissioner who passed away recently.

As the political cycle moves forward, INEC’s early release of election timetables signals a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and early preparation—a move many observers hope will bolster public confidence in the 2026 election cycle.