Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved June 20, 2026 for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election, while August 8, 2026 has been fixed for the Osun election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday in Ahuja at the swearing-in of six resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
He said in line with the requirements of the law, the commission was under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.
Yakubu stated: “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 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.
“In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, 8th August 2026. Party primaries will start on 24th November 2025 and end on 15th December 2025.”
The electoral commission swore in six resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to fill vacancies in six states of the federation.
Yakubu noted: “Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, as well as the regulations and guidelines governing the commission’s operations.
“Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office. In the best tradition of the commission, you must engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings and must not be impervious to genuine criticisms.
“It is also important to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities. Our state offices are part and parcel of the commission. You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences.
“We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any resident electoral commissioner.
“In line with the current policy, you will be deployed within your geo-political zones but none of you will serve in his/her state of origin.”