![INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official Website of INEC]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/images-25.jpeg)
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the official dates for the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement in Abuja on Friday, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners.
The new commissioners, whose appointments were ratified by the National Assembly following President Bola Tinubu’s nominations, are expected to strengthen electoral operations across the country.
Yakubu disclosed that the Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2026, while the Osun State election will follow on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
He emphasized that the Commission had carefully selected the dates in line with constitutional provisions, which mandate that elections be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current governors’ tenures.
READ ALSO: NASS, INEC canvass electoral reforms at Lagos retreat
“These dates are carefully planned to ensure early preparations and adequate time for political parties and stakeholders to prepare for the elections,” Yakubu said.
He further assured that INEC would remain transparent and efficient in conducting the polls, urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission for credible and peaceful elections.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that preparations were ongoing for a series of bye-elections to fill existing vacancies in both the National Assembly and various state legislatures. These vacancies arose due to deaths, resignations, and legal nullifications following court judgments.
The announcement has triggered early reactions from political parties, with many viewing the timeline as an opportunity to begin grassroots mobilization and internal party primaries well in advance.
Ekiti and Osun States have historically been battlegrounds for major political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, making the upcoming elections a litmus test for democratic consolidation and electoral integrity.
TheEagleOnline
