INEC set new dates for Osun, Ekiti, 2027 general elections

By Ismail Azeez

In a significant shift to the national electoral calendar, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a comprehensive rescheduling of upcoming polls, affecting both off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections. 

The commission confirmed that the Osun State governorship election, originally slated for August 8, 2026, will now take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

This adjustment is part of a broader revision necessitated by the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

This new legislative framework introduced modified statutory timelines for pre-election activities, forcing the commission to realign its schedules to remain in full compliance with the law.

Beyond the immediate impact on Osun and Ekiti states, the commission has also accelerated the timeline for the 2027 General Elections. 

The Presidential and National Assembly elections, previously scheduled for late February, have been moved forward to Saturday, January 16, 2027.

Consequently, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are now set for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The decision to move these dates also addresses significant public concerns, particularly from Muslim groups who pointed out that the original March dates would have overlapped with the holy month of Ramadan. 

By shifting the polls to early February, INEC has navigated a potential clash that could have impacted voter turnout and the logistics of election day.

In a statement released on Thursday by Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission clarified that while some preliminary activities for the Ekiti and Osun elections have already concluded, all remaining milestones will be executed strictly under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

This revised schedule is designed to uphold the constitutional requirements of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). INEC has emphasized that while it provides the framework for the democratic process, the ultimate success of these elections hinges on the collective cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, credible, and inclusive environment that accurately reflects the will of the Nigerian people.