INEC extends Osun governorship election campaigning timeline

The Independent National Electoral Commission has made a significant adjustment to the campaign schedule for the Osun State governorship election, a move prompted by its earlier decision to postpone the poll by one week, as announced by INEC chairman Joash Amupitan.

In February, INEC revised its timetable for the 2027 general election cycle, rescheduling the Osun governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026, a change that has now led to a shift in the campaign deadline.

The one-week postponement of the election has triggered a corresponding adjustment in the deadline for political parties to conclude their campaigns in the state, in line with the requirements of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, all campaigns must come to a close no later than 24 hours before the election, which, given the new election date of August 15, means that campaigns in Osun State must now end by midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued a statement calling for strict adherence to the revised timeline, emphasizing the need for all parties involved to comply with the new deadline.

Haruna stated, "The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline," in a bid to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Furthermore, Haruna reaffirmed INEC's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, saying "INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections," in a statement signed by him.