INEC Fixes Dates for Ekiti, Osun Governorship Elections
Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections for Saturday, June 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced the dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
Yakubu emphasized the importance of early preparations and adherence to the electoral timetable to ensure free, fair, and credible polls. He urged the new RECs to uphold the integrity and independence of the Commission as they take on their responsibilities across various states.
> “With the dates now fixed, we call on all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, civil society, and the media, to begin preparations in earnest for peaceful and transparent elections in Ekiti and Osun States,” he said.
The INEC Chairman also revealed that the Commission is finalising arrangements to conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly across the country. Dates for these bye-elections are expected to be announced soon.
The announcement of the 2026 governorship election dates comes more than a year in advance, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, which requires INEC to publish election timetables not later than 360 days before the polls.
