INEC Unveils 2026 Gubernatorial Roadmap: Ekiti & Osun Vote Dates Fixed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections, scheduling both polls for 2026. Chairman Mahmood Yakubu confirmed the dates during the swearing-in of six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, citing legal obligations to publish notices 360 days ahead.
Key Election Dates
- Ekiti State:
- Election Day: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Party Primaries: October 20 – November 10, 2025
- Nomination Portal Closes: December 22, 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Final Candidate List: January 18, 2026
- Campaign Window: January 21, 2026 – June 18, 2026
- Osun State:
- Election Day: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Party Primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
- Nomination Portal Closes: February 9, 2026 (6:00 PM)
- Final Candidate List: March 9, 2026
- Campaign Window: March 11, 2026 – August 6, 2026
Legal Framework & Next Steps
Yakubu emphasized INEC’s compliance with the Electoral Act:
“The commission is under obligation to publish notices 360 days before elections. We’ve fulfilled this for Ekiti and Osun.”
Critical deadlines:
- 180-Day Rule: Nomination portals shut exactly 180 days pre-election.
- Campaign Ethics: Public campaigns must end 24 hours before polling.
Context: Transition Timelines
- Ekiti: Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s first term ends October 2026; election held June 2026.
- Osun: Gov. Ademola Adeleke’s tenure concludes November 2026; election August 2026.
Why This Matters:
Setting clear timelines 18+ months ahead boosts electoral preparedness—a marked improvement from past delays that fueled political uncertainty.
“Transparent timelines are the bedrock of credible elections.”
― Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman
[CTA]: Track election updates via @inecnigeria on X (Twitter).
Countdown to 2026
| Milestone | Ekiti | Osun |
|---|---|---|
| Primaries | Oct 20 – Nov 10, 2025 | Nov 24 – Dec 15, 2025 |
| Nomination Close | Dec 22, 2025 (6 PM) | Feb 9, 2026 (6 PM) |
| Candidate List | Jan 18, 2026 | Mar 9, 2026 |
| Campaign Start | Jan 21, 2026 | Mar 11, 2026 |
| Election Day | June 20, 2026 | August 8, 2026 |
Note: Campaigns end 24 hours before election day in both states.
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