The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, scheduled for 2026, and has also sworn in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), filling all such vacancies nationwide. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made these disclosures in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of the RECs.

For Ekiti State, the governorship election is set to hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026. According to Prof. Yakubu, party primaries for Ekiti will commence on October 20, 2025, and conclude on November 10, 2025. Political parties are required to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal by 6:00 PM on December 22, 2025, which is no later than 180 days before the election. The final list of candidates for the Ekiti governorship election will be published on January 18, 2026. Public campaigning by political parties will begin on January 21, 2026, and must end 24 hours before election day.

In Osun State, the governorship election will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Party primaries are scheduled to run from November 24, 2025, to December 15, 2025. The deadline for political parties to upload nomination forms for Osun State is 6:00 PM on February 9, 2026, also adhering to the 180-day pre-election window. The final list of candidates will be published on March 9, 2026, with public campaigns commencing on March 11, 2026, and ceasing 24 hours prior to the election.

Prof. Yakubu explained that these announcements are in compliance with the Electoral Act, which mandates INEC to publish notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the fixed date. He recalled that the last governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States were held in June and July 2022, respectively, and the four-year tenures of the current governors will conclude in 2026.

During the ceremony, six Resident Electoral Commissioners were sworn in. Prof. Yakubu highlighted that these appointments fill all REC vacancies across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The newly sworn-in RECs are: Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem (posted to Cross River State, reappointed for a second term), Mukhtar Umar Gajiram (Taraba State, reappointed for a second term), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris (Gombe State), Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi (Ogun State), Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako (Abia State), and Umar Yusuf Garba (Sokoto State).

In addition to the new appointments, INEC also redeployed eleven existing RECs to new states. These include: Aminu Idris (Federal Capital Territory), Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet (Kwara State), Prof. Gabriel Yomeri (Rivers State), Dr. Agundu Oliver Tersoo (Kogi State), Mahmuda Isah (Zamfara State), Mohammed Abubakar Sadio (Plateau State), Mohammed Bulama Nura (Adamawa State), Prof. Saidu Babura Ahmed (Kaduna State), Umar Ibrahim (Bauchi State), Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe (Bayelsa State), and Obo OEffanga (Akwa Ibom State).

Addressing the newly sworn-in and redeployed RECs, Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the conduct of elections is not only a significant responsibility but also a sacred duty. He urged them to always be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs, and the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations. "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," he stated.

The INEC Chairman further advised the RECs to engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings and remain open to genuine criticisms. He stressed the importance of understanding and operating within the limits of their delegated powers and responsibilities, reminding them that state offices are part of the Commission and they must not act independently or violate laws. "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," he warned, adding that RECs would be deployed within their geo-political zones but not to their states of origin. He also noted that their appointment is a full-time responsibility requiring leadership and effective supervision.

Prof. Yakubu also addressed public concerns regarding pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. He acknowledged that the number of bye-elections has increased to 17 and recognized the urgency of restarting the CVR, particularly with the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. "We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public," he assured.

The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for both the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections have been made available on the INEC website and its social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and the general public.