The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the last day for political parties’ campaigns for the Osun State governorship election is now midnight on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said in a statement that the adjustment aligns with Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
The commission had earlier, on February 26, 2026, released a revised timetable for the 2027 general election, shifting the Osun governorship poll by one week from August 8 to August 15.
Haruna said: “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 urged all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the revised timeline.”
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.
Meanwhile, a factional National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over the transfer of Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, and the appointment of Toyin Babalola as his replacement.
Arabambi said the people of Osun State should be allowed to freely choose their governor, insisting that it remains the only path to a credible election and a peaceful 2027.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, he expressed concern over what he described as troubling administrative decisions within INEC, warning they could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
He argued that the appointment, tenure, and removal of RECs are governed by constitutional provisions and not subject to arbitrary decisions by the INEC Chairman.
Arabambi cited the Third Schedule, Part 1, Item F, Paragraph 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside Section 154(1), noting that RECs are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate.
He maintained that the handling of Agboke’s case represents a breach of due process, alleging that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, lacks the authority to remove a REC.
He further alleged that by acting on a petition reportedly linked to the Osun State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the INEC leadership may have allowed partisan influence in electoral administration.
Arabambi said: “Where is the committee of investigation? Where are the terms of reference? Where is the evidence that Barrister Agboke was given a fair hearing, an opportunity to defend himself against these allegations?”
