-
Moves Osun Governorship Polls
- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission late Thursday announced a revised electoral plan moving the presidential election to January 16.
The election was initially slated to hold on January 20 before Thursday’s decision.
This has however been rescheduled with the electoral body announcing a new date for the election.
As contained in a statement issued on Thursday by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the election timetable was reviewed in compliance with the new 2026 Electoral Act which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
Also changed was the date for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly which will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027 as against the initial 6th of March schedule.
Other key changes include the conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries.
This, as contained in the statement will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026 while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns is slated to kick off on 9th September 2026.
Meanwhilw, INEC maintained that the end of all campaign still stand at 24 hours before election day.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.
“The Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms.” The commission wrote.
INEC also announced the adjustment in the schedule of the Osun State Governorship election.
“In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.” The statement read.
For Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections, the commission noted that some of the scheduled activities have already been conducted.
It however stated that the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC held that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility as it called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.