By Fresh Facts Staff
In a major move to kick-start preparations for upcoming polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its official timetable for elections scheduled across 2025 and 2026. The announcement, made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, came during the Commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a statement shared via INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the electoral body is set for an intensive electoral cycle, with five major elections and a resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide.
Highlighting the schedule, Professor Yakubu revealed that the series of elections would begin with bye-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship Election on November 8, 2025. The calendar for 2026 includes the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on February 21, the Ekiti State Governorship Election on June 20, and the Osun State Governorship Election on August 8.
To ensure broad participation, INEC also announced the restart of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise across the country. Online pre-registration will begin on August 18, 2025, while physical, in-person registration will commence a week later on August 25. However, in Anambra State, which is gearing up for its governorship poll later this year, the CVR exercise will kick off next week, simultaneously in all 326 electoral wards. This, Professor Yakubu noted, is to ensure compliance with the legal requirement of finalising the voters’ register at least 90 days before the election.
The meeting also marked the official welcome of two newly appointed National Commissioners—Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf—alongside six newly sworn-in RECs attending their first national consultative gathering.
In his address, the INEC Chairman emphasized the central role of RECs in the success of the electoral process, urging them to show initiative and leadership in implementing Commission policies at the state level. “You are full-time Commissioners,” he reminded. “Your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed.”
Addressing recent controversies around the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which pertains to the review of election results, Professor Yakubu disclosed that the Commission is finalising a supplementary regulation and accompanying guidelines. These documents, he assured, would be published on INEC’s official platforms within the week to offer clarity to stakeholders and the public.
The Abuja consultative meeting followed extensive engagements with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies involved in electoral management. INEC says the deliberations are aimed at improving transparency, operational efficiency, and public confidence ahead of the elections.
As Nigeria heads into another decisive electoral cycle, the Commission’s renewed commitment signals a call for greater vigilance, participation, and preparation—both from electoral officials and the voting public.
