The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 14 political parties to participate in the Aug. 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, excluding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) from the approved list.
The development marks a significant shift in the Osun 2026 political landscape ahead of the crucial off-cycle election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the INEC Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mr Musa Olurode, said only parties that successfully concluded their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates within the commission’s stipulated timeframe were cleared for the contest.
“INEC hereby notifies political parties and the general public that, following the conclusion of political party primaries and the close of the period for uploading the names and particulars of candidates and their running mates, 14 political parties successfully complied with the Commission’s requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” Olurode said.
According to him, the parties that validly uploaded their candidates’ details include Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Olurode explained that in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun Governorship Election, the commission has published the personal particulars of candidates and their running mates using Form EC9.
He added that copies of candidates’ details would be displayed at the INEC State Office, the 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Area Office of the commission across Osun from Monday, Feb. 16.
Political parties, candidates and members of the public were advised to inspect the published documents as provided by law.
Quoting the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, Olurode reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparency and professionalism in the conduct of the Osun 2026 governorship election.
He urged political parties and stakeholders to support the commission in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities as preparations intensify for the Aug. 8 poll.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
