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Swears In Six New RECs
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To Commence CVR, Conduct 17 Bye-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed dates for the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States for Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), whose nominations were recently confirmed by the National Assembly.
The INEC boss noted that preparations are underway to conduct 17 pending by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats and to commence nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), particularly ahead of the Anambra Governorship poll.
He stated: “By law, the Commission is mandated to publish notices for major elections at least 360 days before the scheduled date. In compliance with this legal requirement, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections have been approved.”
He explained that the current Governors of Ekiti and Osun, elected in 2022, will complete their tenures in 2026, hence the need to fix new election dates.
For Ekiti State, the election is slated for Saturday, June 20, 2026. Party primaries will hold between October 20 and November 10, 2025, while political parties must upload nomination forms by 6:00 pm on December 22, 2025, which marks the legal deadline of 180 days before the poll.
According to him, the final list of candidates will be published on January 18, 2026, while campaigns will run from January 21, 2026, ending 24 hours before the election.
He noted that for Osun State, the election will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with party primaries scheduled between November 24 and December 15, 2025. Nomination forms must be uploaded to the INEC portal by 6:00 pm on February 9, 2026.
The final candidate list will be released on March 9, 2026, and campaigns will span from March 11 until the eve of the election.
Yakubu confirmed that the full schedule has been published on INEC’s official website and social media channels for public and stakeholder awareness.
Speaking on the pending bye-elections, he said: “There are currently 17 vacant seats that need to be filled. The Commission understands the urgency and is finalising logistics for these polls as well as the commencement of CVR. Details will be shared shortly.”
Regarding the newly sworn-in Resident Electoral Commissioners, Yakubu emphasised the weight of their responsibility, urging them to uphold integrity and abide by INEC’s legal framework and operational guidelines.
“As RECs, you represent the Commission in the states where you’ll be deployed. Your actions must be guided by the law, conscience, and public interest. You must not act outside the Commission’s framework or defy directives without consequences,” he cautioned.
He reminded them that their positions are full-time and that they are accountable for managing personnel, resources, and stakeholders in their states. In line with policy, new RECs will be deployed outside their states of origin but within their geo-political zones.
He also disclosed that some serving RECs have been redeployed as part of the routine administrative restructuring, and the full deployment list would be made available on INEC’s platforms.
Newly deployed and redeployed RECs include Mukhtar Umar (Taraba), Hale Gabriel Longpet (Kwara), USA Shaka Ehimeakhe (Bayelsa), Obo Effanga (Akwa Ibom), Johnson Alalibo (Cross River), Feyijimi Saseyi (Ogun), Umar Ibrahim (Bauchi), and Saidu Ahmed (Kaduna).
Others are Muhammed Nura (Adamawa), Sa’ad Umar (Gombe), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako (Abia), Umar Garba (Sokoto), Mohammed Sadiq (Plateau), Mahmuda Isa (Zamfara), Agundu Tersoo (Kogi), and Gabriel Tomorrow (Rivers).
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed RECs, Sa’ad Umar, formerly Director at INEC’s Electoral Institute, pledged their commitment to strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Our role as RECs is crucial to upholding democratic values. We are committed to discharging our duties with integrity, impartiality, and professionalism,” Umar stated.
