The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 local government elections, citing recent changes in Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.
In the updated timetable obtained by DAILY GAZETTE and endorsed by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Chris Ngwu, ENSIEC explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission noted that the new schedule is designed to align the electoral process with the provisions of the updated law and other relevant statutes governing elections in the state.
ENSIEC recalled that it had earlier issued a notice of election on August 20, 2025, along with an initial timetable.
However, the revised framework now provides a fresh sequence of activities leading to the polls.
According to the commission, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between January 23 and May 26, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
Campaigns are scheduled to commence on April 29, 2026, and will end on September 25, 2026, a day before the election.
The submission of nomination forms by political parties will close on May 29, 2026, while the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is slated for June 19, 2026.
The final list of nominated candidates will be released on July 27, 2026.
Other key activities include the submission of polling agents by August 31, 2026, and the publication of the official notice of poll on September 11, 2026.
The commission confirmed that the local government elections will take place on September 26, 2026, with voting expected to run from 8am to 3pm using the open secret ballot system.
In the event of inconclusive outcomes, rerun elections will be conducted on October 10, 2026.
ENSIEC reaffirmed that the revised timetable was issued in line with its constitutional responsibilities and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.
