By John Umeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the timetable for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, setting the stage for political activities in both states ahead of the polls. The electoral body made the announcement in a statement released from its headquarters in Abuja, underscoring its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
According to the schedule, the Ekiti State governorship election is slated for June 20, 2026, while the Osun State governorship election will be held on August 15, 2026. These dates fall within the constitutional window that allows for elections to be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current officeholders’ tenures.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that the Commission has taken all necessary steps to ensure a seamless electoral process. He noted that the publication of the timetable is to give political parties ample time to prepare for primaries, campaigns, and other pre-election activities as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Breakdown of Key Activities
The timetable includes critical deadlines such as:
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Notice of Election: To be issued at least 360 days before the election.
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Conduct of Party Primaries: Parties are expected to hold their primaries and resolve all disputes within the window provided by INEC.
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Submission of Candidate Lists: Political parties must submit the names of their candidates and running mates electronically.
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Publication of Final List of Candidates: To be done following the statutory period of screening and verification.
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Commencement of Campaigns: Political campaigns will commence as allowed under the Electoral Act and must cease 24 hours before election day.
INEC Urges Stakeholder Collaboration
INEC also used the opportunity to call on all stakeholders—political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media—to cooperate in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The Commission emphasized the importance of voter education and the need for peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections.
The announcement has already begun to stir political activity in both states, with parties expected to intensify internal consultations and begin preparations for their primaries in the coming months.
INEC reiterated that it remains committed to deploying technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the elections.
As Ekiti and Osun gear up for the 2026 polls, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the political future of both states, with voters expected to play a central role in determining their next set of leaders.
