The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday announced April and September 2018 dates for governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.

The tenure of Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, will end on October 15, 2018 and November 28, 2018, respectively.

According to the timetable released in Abuja by the electoral body, the Ekiti and Osun elections will hold on July 14 and September 22, 2018, respectively.

The timetable also disclosed that any run- off election would be held within seven days after the announcement of result in line with relevant laws.

The timetable for the polls was signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu.

According to the timetable, INEC is expected to issue notice for the Ekiti election on April 4, 2018, which is not later than 90 days before the election.

Election campaigns will commence on April 15, while collection of forms by political parties for issuance to candidates will start a day after.

Political primaries and resolution of disputes arising from such was slated for April 15 and May 14, 2018 respectively.

Notice of election was fixed for June 23, 2018 while campaign for the Osun State poll will start on June 25, 2018.

Collection of forms for the Osun election has been fixed for June 25, while primaries and resolution of arising disputes must be conducted between June 24 and July 23, 2018.

Speaking on the dates, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Prince Solomon Soyebi,  said INEC was guided by the  provisions of section 178(1)and (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and section 25(7) and (8) of the Electoral Act 2010 in arriving at the dates.

He also restated the Commission earlier warning to intending aspirants and their parties that the release of dates for elections did not amount to notice for campaigns for votes.

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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Announces Dates For Ekiti, Osun Governorship Polls