The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its schedule for major elections in 2025 and 2026, along with plans to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.
READ ALSO: INEC sets up AI division to boost election credibility
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement on Tuesday during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. The meeting focused on preparing for upcoming electoral activities and improving election management processes across the country.
According to the timetable, bye-elections across 12 states will hold on August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra Governorship election on November 8, 2025. In 2026, the FCT Area Council elections are scheduled for February 21, the Ekiti Governorship poll for June 20, and the Osun Governorship election for August 8.
Online pre-registration for voters will begin on August 18, 2025, with physical registration starting nationwide a week later on August 25. For Anambra State, where elections are due later this year, the CVR will commence earlier across all 326 wards.
The meeting also marked the introduction of two newly appointed National Commissioners and six new RECs. The INEC Chairman urged the RECs to show initiative in implementing policies and stressed the continuous nature of their responsibilities.
He added that the Commission is finalising supplementary regulations to clarify the application of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, concerning the review of election results. The guideline will soon be made available to the public.
The consultative session followed earlier engagements with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies to address emerging electoral challenges and improve service delivery.
