INEC
By Iyunade Grace
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced March 11, 2026, as the official start date for political campaigns ahead of the Osun State governorship election. This announcement was made by INEC’s Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026. The commission has released a comprehensive timetable for political activities leading up to the election, including party primaries, nomination submissions, and campaign periods.
According to the timetable, party primaries were held between November 24 and December 15, 2025. The submission of Forms EC9 (personal particulars of candidates) and EC9B (list of nominated candidates) via INEC’s online nomination portal opened on January 15, 2026, and closed on February 9, 2026.
The final list of candidates is expected to be published on March 9, 2026, just two days before the commencement of campaigns. The campaigns will run until midnight on August 6, 2026.
INEC has emphasized the importance of adhering to the established rules and guidelines for a credible electoral process. The commission has also warned against vote-buying and violence, describing them as cankerworms undermining credible elections.
The Osun State election is expected to be a closely contested one, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking re-election.
