The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled the governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun States for Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates on Friday during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). Their nominations were recently confirmed by the National Assembly.

Prof. Yakubu stated that the Commission is finalising plans for several bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly. He also outlined the timetable for party primaries and campaign activities leading up to the governorship polls in both states.

Ekiti Governorship Election – July 20, 2026

  • Party primaries: October 20 to November 10, 2025
  • Deadline for nomination form uploads: 6pm, December 22, 2025
  • Final list of candidates: January 18, 2026
  • Campaign period: January 21 to July 18, 2026

Yakubu noted, “The last governorship election in Ekiti was held in June 2022. The new election date aligns with the constitutional requirement that elections be held not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current tenure.”

Osun Governorship Election – August 8, 2026

  • Party primaries: November 24 to December 15, 2025
  • Nomination form deadline: 6pm, February 9, 2026
  • Final list of candidates: March 9, 2026
  • Campaign period: March 11 to August 6, 2026

INEC has uploaded the detailed timetable for both elections on its official website and social media platforms.

New RECs Sworn In, Others Redeployed

Six new RECs were sworn in during the event and redeployed across various states:

  • Sa’ad Idris – Gombe
  • Johnson Sinikiem – Cross River
  • Feyijimi Ibiyemi – Ogun
  • Mukhtar Gajiram – Taraba
  • Chukwuemeka Ibeziako – Abia
  • Umar Garba – Sokoto

Yakubu emphasised the critical role of RECs in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. “You must never act independently or contrary to the law, guidelines or decisions of the Commission,” he warned. “You will be held accountable for your actions and inactions.”

He described the redeployment of RECs as a routine administrative procedure necessary to enhance election planning and execution.

Preparations for CVR and Bye-Elections Underway

Yakubu also addressed concerns over delays in conducting 17 pending bye-elections and restarting the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. He assured Nigerians that preparations are nearly complete and a public announcement will be made soon.

“We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State,” he said.

New RECs Pledge Commitment

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Sa’ad Idris pledged to uphold the constitution and INEC guidelines. He underscored the importance of character, transparency, and public trust.

“We will discharge our duties with integrity, impartiality, and professionalism. Voter education, stakeholder engagement, and citizen participation will be top priorities,” he said.

The newly appointed commissioners expressed their readiness to work with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.