The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process for the 2026 Osun state governorship election fixed for August 8, 2025.
INEC had on May 27, released the timetable and the schedule of activities for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun state.
Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, addressing political parties, heads of security operatives agencies, newsmen and other stakeholders, on Wednesday, charged them to imbibe a positive spirit in achieving success for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
He said, “We are here to kick start the process of the 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State. Let me inform you now that as we speak, the notice of the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State has been duly posted in all the 30 local government offices, including the Area office at Modakeke. With this notice, all activities that will culminate in the 2026 Governorship election in Osun State have commenced.
“The conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will start on the 24th day of November, 2025 and end on the 15th day of December, 2025.”
Agboke stated that the primaries is to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, adding that the submission of forms EC9 (personal particulars of candidates) and EC9B (Names/list of nominated candidates), online at the nomination portal of the commission at 9 am on the 15th day of January, 2026 to 6 pm on the 9th February 2026.
The REC implored all the political parties and other stakeholders to follow the timetable for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State with a view to tracking the various activities contained therein.
“Copies of the timetable shall be made available to the political parties at this meeting in a short while. The 2026 Governorship election shall be conducted on the 8th day of August, 2026.”
He noted that provisions have been made to ensure that people with disabilities are not disenfranchised by making available Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses and assistive listening devices.
Highlighting the electoral statistics of Osun state voters as contained in the commission’s database as at 31st day of July, 2025, he said Osun has a total of 1,954,800 registered voters, while 1,594,006 Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) have been collected, with 360,794 remaining uncollected.
“We have 332 Registration Areas/Electoral Wards and 3,763 polling units.”
He said the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used to accredit voters for the election.
He tasked youth, politicians and political parties to shun violence, refuse to be used as agents of destruction, fake news and other electoral malpractices.
“Let me also appeal to political parties and other major stakeholders that the menace of vote buying and violence cannot be ignored in our electioneering processes.
“I appeal to you all to rise to continue to support INEC Osun state to deliver a credible election. INEC alone cannot deliver a peaceful and successful election. In togetherness, we shall all achieve the desired outcome of our election. Let me assure you all here today that INEC shall ensure a credible process in the upcoming 2026 Governorship election. Your vote will count.
“We shall do the right thing at all times. We shall ensure we do our best to ensure your vote counts. Let me state the unwavering commitment of INEC in Osun state to transparency, fairness, and professionalism.”
Speaking about the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), he said, “The exercises will start on the 18th day of August, 2025, with online registration. By this, the prospective registrant will visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org to supply the necessary information about himself or herself. Thereafter, he or she will generate a slip to take to the INEC local government office within his place of residence.
He explained that on the 25th of August, 2025, the registrant will visit the local government office for his or her biometrics.
“We all must equally be vigilant to prevent foreigners from participating in the CVR.”
The Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Victor Akande, charged political parties to join INEC in advocacy for a free and fair election process.