INEC Fixes Dates for Ekiti, Osun Guber Elections, Swears in New RECs

INEC Fixes Dates for Ekiti, Osun Guber Elections, Swears in New RECs

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the dates for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States while swearing in six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) during a ceremony in Abuja on Friday.

This announcement comes as part of INEC’s commitment to uphold the electoral process and ensure timely preparations for the elections.

In his remarks at the ceremony, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the Commission’s legal obligation to publish notices for major elections at least 360 days prior to the election date.

“In compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections,” he stated.

The elections are scheduled for June 20, 2026, in Ekiti and August 8, 2026, in Osun, with party primaries set to begin in late 2025.

For Ekiti State, party primaries will commence on October 20, 2025, and conclude on November 10, 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, with public campaigning starting on January 21, 2026.

In Osun State, primaries will run from November 24, 2025, to December 15, 2025, with the final list of candidates published on March 9, 2026, and campaigning beginning on March 11, 2026.

“The last Governorship elections in the two States were held in June and July 2022. The four-year tenure of the Governors will end next year,” INEC Chairman noted.

He also informed the public that the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the elections have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and public information.

Prof. Yakubu also addressed concerns regarding pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide, acknowledging that the number of bye-elections has risen to 17.

“We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalizing our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public,” he added.

As part of the ceremony, the six newly sworn-in RECs were congratulated for their appointments, which fill all vacancies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman urged the new RECs to focus on their responsibilities and adhere to the electoral legal framework.

“The conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty. As you assume or resume duty, I urge you to focus on your responsibilities. 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,” Yakubu remarked.

He added that it  is crucial for the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to understand and operate within the boundaries of their 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,” Yakubu said.

In accordance with the current policy, the INEC Boss said the new RECs will be deployed within their respective geopolitical zones; however, none of them will serve in their states of origin.

Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem will serve in Cross River, Mukhtar Umar Gajiram will be assigned to Taraba, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris will take on responsibilities in Gombe, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi will be deployed to Ogun, Chukwuemeka Christopher Ibeziako will serve in Abia, and Umar Yusuf Garba will be assigned to Sokoto.

Speaking on behalf of the new RECs, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“It is with deep humility, profound gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility that I stand before you today,” he said.

He acknowledged the leadership of Prof. Yakubu, stating, “Your visionary and exemplary leadership continues to inspire confidence, trust, transparency, integrity, inclusivity, and innovation in the electoral process.”

Idris assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of their dedication to upholding the values and objectives of INEC.

“We pledge to discharge our duties with utmost integrity, impartiality, and professionalism,” he affirmed.

He also emphasized the importance of promoting voter education and encouraging citizen participation, stating,

“We will work tirelessly with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies, to build trust and strengthen the electoral process in our state of deployment.”