INEC has announced that the governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun states will hold on July 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively, as revealed by Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the swearing-in of new RECs

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled the governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, July 20, 2026, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

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The announcement was made on Friday, May 30, 2025, by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). The nominations of these RECs had recently received approval from the National Assembly.

During the ceremony, Professor Yakubu underscored the Commission’s ongoing commitment to its electoral calendar and transparency.

He revealed that in addition to the major gubernatorial polls, INEC is in the final stages of preparations for a series of bye-elections across the country.

These bye-elections are necessitated by vacant seats in both the National Assembly (House of Representatives) and various State Houses of Assembly.

The governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

While specific constituencies for these bye-elections were not detailed at the time of the announcement, Professor Yakubu’s statement indicates a proactive approach by the Commission to fill legislative gaps and ensure representation.

Vacancies in legislative houses can arise from various circumstances, including death, resignation, or legislative pronouncements due to extended absenteeism, as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act.

The newly sworn-in RECs are expected to play crucial roles in the meticulous planning and execution of these elections, from voter registration updates to the deployment of personnel and materials, ensuring adherence to the electoral legal framework.

The setting of these dates provides political parties, aspirants, and other stakeholders with a clear timeline to commence preparations for the crucial contests in Ekiti and Osun, states which have historically been significant battlegrounds in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Professor Yakubu also disclosed that the Commission is in the final stages of preparations for bye-elections.

These bye-elections are intended to fill vacant seats in both the National and State Houses of Assembly across various constituencies.

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Further details regarding the bye-elections, including specific dates and affected constituencies, are expected to be released by the Commission in due course.