Breaking: INEC Extends Deadline As Parties Rush To Submit 2027 Governorship Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names of candidates for the 2027 governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

The deadline, which was initially set for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has now been extended to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

INEC announced the extension in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

According to the electoral commission, the decision followed requests from political parties for additional time to complete the submission and upload of candidates’ details through its designated online portal.

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

INEC Suspends PVC Collection in Osun

The commission also announced the suspension of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection in Osun State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

However, voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs will have until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.

INEC said the deadline would enable it to compile data on the number of downloadable replacement PVCs printed and determine the final figure of collected cards ahead of the election.

PVC collection in Osun initially took place at the Registration Area level from July 22 to July 28.

The exercise was subsequently extended to July 31 following complaints over large crowds and difficulties encountered by some voters at collection centres.

The collection process later moved to local government offices and continued from August 1 to August 7.

Stolen PVCs Cannot Be Used, Says INEC

INEC also disclosed that downloadable replacement PVCs had been made available to affected voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas.

The measure followed the theft of PVCs during attacks on collection centres in the two areas.

The commission, however, assured voters that the stolen cards could not be used to cast ballots.

“The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote,” INEC said.

The electoral body also reaffirmed its preparedness for the Osun governorship election.

“INEC reassures the people of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election on 15th August, 2026,” the commission said.