The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has announced that the 2026 governorship election will now hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The election was earlier scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, but has been postponed by one week following a directive from INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja.
This was made known in a statement released on Thursday by the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke.
According to the statement, the change was made after an official communication from the commission’s headquarters. Political parties, candidates, stakeholders and residents of Osun State have been informed about the new date.
INEC explained that many pre-election activities have already been completed according to the approved timetable. It added that all remaining processes will be carried out in line with the Electoral Act, 2026, and other relevant laws.
The commission assured the public that the new date follows the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC also stressed that the postponement will not affect the credibility of the election. It promised to conduct a free, fair, transparent and inclusive poll.
The commission called on political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society groups and voters in Osun State to continue to cooperate to ensure a peaceful and successful governorship election on August 15, 2026.
The commission reiterated that it remains fully prepared to deliver a credible and transparent governorship election, urging all political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the law. It warned that any act capable of undermining the electoral process would be dealt with in line with existing regulations.
INEC further encouraged eligible voters in Osun State to stay engaged in the democratic process and turn out in large numbers on the new date, August 15, 2026, emphasizing that their participation remains vital to strengthening democracy in the stat
