Battle For Osun Begins! INEC Approves 14 Parties, Publishes Full Candidate Details

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the release of the personal details of candidates and their deputies for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke.

According to the statement, 14 political parties successfully submitted the names and required documents of their governorship candidates within the approved deadline, following the completion of their party primaries and the closure of the online portal for candidate submissions.

INEC identified the parties as A, AA, AAC, ADC, ADP, APGA, APC, APM, APP, BP, NNPP, PRP, YPP and ZLP. The Commission noted that the list was published by its headquarters in Abuja after thorough verification to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines.

The publication, INEC said, is in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the official timetable and schedule of activities for the Osun State governorship poll.

It explained that copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, along with academic certificates and other supporting credentials, will be displayed at the Commission’s state office and in all local government offices across Osun State.

The documents will be available for public inspection from Monday, February 16, 2026, at the state headquarters, the 30 local government area offices and the Area Office in the state.

INEC encouraged political parties, candidates and members of the public to examine the published materials in accordance with the law, stressing that only the 14 listed parties met the requirements within the stipulated timeframe and will therefore participate in the election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to transparency, professionalism and the delivery of credible elections in line with legal and democratic standards.