By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the dates for the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, setting the stage for what is expected to be a pair of high-stakes political contests.
According to the timetable released by INEC, voters in Ekiti State will head to the polls on June 20, 2026, while the Osun election has been scheduled for August 8, 2026. The dates were confirmed by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu during the swearing-in ceremony for six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
“These dates are in line with legal provisions and reflect our intention to give all stakeholders sufficient time to prepare,” Yakubu said, underscoring the Commission’s emphasis on early planning, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
INEC also published detailed timelines for political parties, candidates, and voters ahead of both elections.
In Ekiti, party primaries will take place between October 20 and November 10, 2025, with the final list of candidates expected by January 18, 2026. Campaigns will begin on January 21 and end 24 hours before the polls.
In Osun, the primaries are scheduled for November 24 to December 15, 2025. Final nominations are due by February 9, 2026, with the final candidate list set for release on March 9. Campaigns will officially run from March 11 to August 6, 2026.
Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to credible elections, highlighting the continued use of two key technologies: the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“BVAS has revolutionized the accreditation process by ensuring biometric integrity, while IReV allows the public to view results in real-time,” he said. “These tools are not just technical upgrades—they are a cornerstone of our commitment to credible elections.”
Despite past challenges, Yakubu expressed confidence that these innovations would help curb electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying and manipulation during collation.
The upcoming Ekiti election will conclude the first term of the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which won the 2022 poll with a relatively peaceful but controversial victory marred by widespread reports of vote-buying and a low voter turnout of just 36.5%. The incumbent is widely expected to seek re-election, setting up a tense political battle.
In Osun State, political tension is also mounting. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the APC in a dramatic upset during the 2022 election. The 2026 vote is shaping up to be a heated rematch between the two parties, with both camps already preparing for what could be one of the most closely watched contests in Nigeria’s political calendar.
Analysts anticipate the usual flashpoints – intense competition, legal disputes, and voter inducement—but also note INEC’s proactive stance and technological improvements as reasons for cautious optimism.
Beyond the governorship races, INEC is also preparing for bye-elections to fill 17 vacant seats across national and state assemblies. Further announcements on those elections are expected in the coming weeks.
Yakubu acknowledged public concerns about Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and assured that the Commission is working to enhance voter access and participation.
“Conducting elections is a sacred duty,” he said. “We are determined to uphold the integrity of the process and restore full public confidence.”
INEC has already begun consultations with political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies to ensure peaceful, issue-based campaigns and to prevent violence during primaries and the general elections.
Observers have welcomed INEC’s unusually early release of the 2026 election timetable – more than a year in advance – as a strategic effort to enhance planning, reduce uncertainty, and increase public trust.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Nigeria’s electoral umpire to translate its promises into action – and to deliver elections that reflect the will of the people in both Ekiti and Osun States.
