The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced a consequential adjustment to the campaign timeline for the upcoming Osun State Governorship Election. This decision follows the recent rescheduling of the election date, forcing a shift in the legal window allowed for political canvassing across the state.
New Deadline Set for Political Activities
According to a statement released by the Commission, the period for active campaigning will now conclude at midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This adjustment ensures strict compliance with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that all public campaign activities must cease exactly 24 hours prior to the opening of polls.
The move is a direct result of the Commission’s earlier decision, made on February 26, to push the Osun election forward by one week. The election, originally slated for August 8, is now scheduled to take place on August 15, 2026.
Official Mandate and Stakeholder Compliance
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the electoral body emphasized the importance of following the new dates to maintain the integrity of the process.
“The Commission urges all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline. INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections,” Haruna stated.
Commitment to Electoral Integrity
The adjustment serves as a reminder to the 18 registered political parties and their candidates that any campaign activity conducted after the August 13 deadline will be considered a violation of the Electoral Act. INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to oversee the transition in Osun State, maintaining that the one-week shift in the general timetable was necessary for the broader logistics of the 2027 General Election cycle.
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