INEC Shifts Osun Governorship Campaign Period Ahead of Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a shift in the campaign timeline for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, following a fresh adjustment to its electoral schedule.

The commission disclosed that the change became necessary after it reviewed its timetable for the 2027 general elections.

As a result, the Osun governorship poll has been moved forward by one week. The election, earlier slated for August 8, 2026, will now hold on August 15, 2026.

This development was made public in a statement released on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to the statement, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election and adjusted the Osun State Governorship Election forward by one week from the 8th of August 2026 to the 15th.”

Following this adjustment, the commission also reviewed the deadline for political campaigns in the state. Political parties and candidates are now expected to conclude all forms of campaigning by midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

INEC stressed that this directive is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. It cited the legal requirement that all campaign activities must stop at least 24 hours before the day of the election.

The statement added, “As a result of this adjustment, the last day for political parties’ campaigns in the state is now midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in line with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that campaigns shall end 24 hours prior to election day.”

The commission called on all stakeholders to comply fully with the new schedule. It urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect the timeline and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process.

INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible election in Osun State. It noted that all preparations would continue in line with its mandate to deliver a transparent and inclusive process.

“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections,” the statement read.

The adjustment is expected to affect campaign strategies of political parties, especially as they now have a slightly extended window to reach voters across the state.