INEC ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF GOVERNORSHIP, STATE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES

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By ‘Leke Yusuf

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved an extension of the deadline for the submission (upload on the dedicated portal) of the list of candidates for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembl Elections for the February 2027 General Election.,

The submission window, which according to the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election was originally scheduled to close, Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Maruna, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information & Voter Education of INEC, he said “the extension follows growing appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the process

“In a related development, the Commission wishes to notify voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs, that the window to print downloadable copie, of their cards will expire by midnight of Sunday 9th August, 2026. This is to allow the Commission compile the data of downloaded PVCs for final statistics of total PVCs collectec ahead of the August 15th Osun Governorship Election.”

It will be recalled that collection of PVCs in Osun State commenced at Registration Area (RA) level from 22nd to 28th July, 2026. Owing to complaints of large crowds and difficulties encountered by voters at collection centres, the Commission approved an extension of RA evel collection to 31st July, 2026, before collection moved to LGA level, running from 1st tc 7th August, 2026.

“The Commission also wishes to state that replacement Downloadable PVCs have been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central local government areas whose cards were carted away by hoodlums who invaded the two centres. The Commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.

“NEC reassures the people of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible anc inclusive governorship election on 15th August, 2026”