The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun states will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.
This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony for six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Election timetables released
Professor Yakubu confirmed that the detailed timetables for both elections have been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media channels. Key dates for each state are:
Ekiti state governorship election:
- Election Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Party Primaries: October 20 to November 10, 2025
- Nomination Form Upload Deadline: 6:00 PM on December 22, 2025
- Final List of Candidates Published: January 18, 2026
- Campaign Period: January 21, 2026, until 24 hours before election day
Osun state governorship election:
- Election Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Party Primaries: November 24 to December 15, 2025
- Nomination Form Upload Deadline: 6:00 PM on February 9, 2026
- Final List of Candidates Published: March 9, 2026
- Campaign Period: March 11, 2026, until 24 hours before election day
Yakubu explained that these timelines are in compliance with the legal requirement to publish election notices at least 360 days before the election date. The last governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun were held in June and July 2022, respectively, and the four-year terms of the incumbent governors will conclude next year.
All REC vacancies filled, new deployments announced
With the swearing-in of the six new RECs, all vacancies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been filled. The newly appointed RECs and their deployments are:
- Sa’ad Idris: Gombe State
- Johnson Sinikiem: Cross River State
- Feyijimi Ibiyemi: Ogun State
- Mukhtar Gajiram: Taraba State
- Chukwuemeka Ibeziako: Abia State
- Umar Garba: Sokoto State
Professor Yakubu emphasized that these deployments are routine administrative exercises aimed at strengthening the commission’s work ahead of upcoming electoral activities. He stressed that RECs are expected to uphold the electoral legal framework, adhere to the code of conduct, and always act in good conscience. He warned against defiance or transgression, stating that the commission would hold RECs accountable for their actions.
Update on by-elections and CVR
Addressing public concerns, the INEC Chairman acknowledged that the number of pending by-elections has risen to 17. He also addressed the urgency for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), especially with the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State. Yakubu assured Nigerians that preparations for both the by-elections and CVR are in their final stages, and full details will be announced soon.
RECs pledge commitment to credible elections
Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Sa’ad Idris reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all INEC guidelines. He stressed the critical role of character and commitment in safeguarding election credibility and pledged to work closely with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, the media, and security agencies, to ensure every vote counts.
