JUST IN: INEC Extends 2027 Governorship, Assembly Candidate Submission Deadline

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

According to IREPORTER Online, the electoral commission moved the deadline from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Tuesday, August 11, following requests from political parties for additional time to complete the submission process through its online portal.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

The commission explained that the extension was granted after several political parties appealed for more time to upload and submit their candidates’ details in line with the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

INEC also announced the suspension of Permanent Voter Card collection in Osun State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15.

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

The commission said the deadline would enable it to compile accurate figures of downloadable PVCs printed by voters and determine the final number of cards collected ahead of the election.

PVC collection in Osun initially took place at Registration Area centres between July 22 and 28. The exercise was subsequently extended to July 31 following reports of overcrowding and difficulties experienced by some voters.

Collection was later moved to local government offices, where it continued from August 1 to 7.

INEC further disclosed that downloadable replacement PVCs had been provided for eligible voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas following the theft of PVCs during attacks on collection centres in the affected areas.

The electoral body assured residents that the stolen cards could not be used to vote and urged voters to disregard concerns surrounding their possible misuse.

INEC reaffirmed its preparedness to conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, assuring residents that necessary arrangements were being made to ensure a free, fair, credible and inclusive exercise.