ENSIEC issues revised timetable for 2026 council poll

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) on Friday released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.

The Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

Ngwu said the framework outlines the activities leading to the elections on September 26, 2026 and re-run polls on October 10, 2026.

He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.

“The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.

He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on August 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.

According to him, party primaries will hold from January 23, 2026 to May 26, 2026.

“Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.

He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19. 

“The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.

Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on August 31, while the official notice of poll comes on September 11.

He confirmed elections will be held on September 26, with voting from 8am to 3pm using the open secret ballot system.

“In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on October 10,” he said.

Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.