The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, while the Osun State election will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu revealed these dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners confirmed by the National Assembly.
For Ekiti State, political parties will hold their primaries between October 20 and November 10, 2025.
Parties are required to submit their nomination forms by 6:00 pm on December 22, 2025.
The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026. Campaigning will start on January 21, 2026, and end 24 hours before the election.
In Osun State, party primaries will run from November 24 to December 15, 2025. Nomination forms must be uploaded by 6:00 pm on February 9, 2026.
The final candidate list will be released on March 9, 2026.
Campaigns will begin on March 11, 2026, and also conclude 24 hours before the election date.
INEC has made the detailed election timetable and schedule available on its website and social media platforms to guide political parties and inform the public.
Chairman Yakubu also addressed concerns about the rising number of bye-elections, which currently stand at 17, and the urgent need to resume Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the country, especially with the Anambra State governorship election approaching.
He assured Nigerians that preparations for these activities are underway and that details will be announced soon.
Additionally, the commission is finalizing arrangements to hold bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
