By Tonia Okereke
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, July 20, for the Ekiti State governorship election and Saturday, August 8, 2026 for the governorship election in Osun State.
The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement on Friday, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners, recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
Yakubu said: “In line with the requirements of the law, the Commission is under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections.
“The last gubernatorial elections in the two States were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the Governors will end next year.
“For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025 to enable Political Parties to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which automatically shuts down by 6.00pm on 22nd December 2025 i.e., not later than 180 days before the election.
“The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, while campaign in public by political parties will commence on January 21, 2026, and end 24 hours before election day.
“In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries will start on November 24, 2025, and end on December 15, 2025.
Yakubu said: “In line with the requirements of the law, the Commission is under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections.
“The last gubernatorial elections in the two States were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the Governors will end next year.
“For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025 to enable Political Parties to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which automatically shuts down by 6.00pm on 22nd December 2025 i.e., not later than 180 days before the election.
“The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, while campaign in public by political parties will commence on January 21, 2026, and end 24 hours before election day.
“In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries will start on November 24, 2025, and end on December 15, 2025.
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