The electorate in Osun State will know the candidates of political parties vying for the governorship seat by December this year, as parties are expected to conclude their primaries ahead of the 2026 election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier released the notice for the state governorship election, scheduled for August 8, 2026. At a stakeholders’ engagement held at the INEC office in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, presented the election notice to political party officials and outlined the timeline for the process.
Agboke stated that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, must conclude by December 15, 2025, to allow for the nomination of candidates.
“Going by the timetable released by the headquarters of the commission, 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. This is necessary to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022,” Agboke said.
He further explained that the submission of nomination forms (EC9 and EC9B) would take place online between January 15 and February 9, 2026, with access codes available from December 15, 2025.
“I implore 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 added.
Agboke also urged stakeholders, including the media, to sensitize the public on the upcoming Continuous Voters’ Registration exercise, set to begin on Monday.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner of Police Yusuf Taiwo, representing the Commissioner of Police, assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the election. He, however, cautioned political parties to adhere to the rules to avoid violations.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Victor Akande, pledged the council’s support to INEC for a successful CVR exercise and governorship election in the state.
