By Abiola Olawale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, setting the stage for highly anticipated off-cycle polls.
This announcement was made by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Yakubu revealed that the Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2026, while the Osun State election will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The INEC chief emphasized INEC’s commitment to transparency and early planning, stating that the early release of the election timetable allows stakeholders, including political parties and voters, ample time to prepare.
He revealed that Party primaries are to be held between October 20 and November 10, 2025 in Ekiti State.
Political parties must upload their nomination forms by 6pm on December 22, 2025.
The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, while campaigns will begin on January 21 and end 24 hours before the election.
In Osun State, party primaries will be conducted from November 24 to December 15, 2025.
The nomination portal closes at 6pm on February 9, 2026. The final list of candidates will be released on March 9, 2026, and political campaigns will run from March 11 until a day before the election.
He announced: “In line with the requirements of the law, the commission is under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for 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. The last governorship elections in the two states were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the governors will end next year.
“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 6.00pm on 22nd December 2025, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election.
“In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, 8th August 2026. Party primaries will start on 24th November 2025 and end on 15th December 2025.
“The portal for the upload of nomination forms by political parties closes at 6.00pm on 9th February 2026, i.e. not later than 180 days before the election.
“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.”
