ENSIEC Unveils Fresh Timetable for 2026 Enugu LG Polls Amid New Electoral Law
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections in Enugu State, following the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026.
The Commission, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of the updated legal framework.
According to ENSIEC, the revised schedule is designed to align the electoral process with the provisions of the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state.
It will be recalled that the Commission had earlier issued a notice of election alongside an initial timetable on August 20, 2025. However, the latest development introduces a fresh sequence of activities ahead of the polls.
Under the new timetable, political party primaries are slated to hold between January 23 and May 26, 2026. Campaigns are expected to commence on April 29 and will end on September 25, 2026—24 hours before election day.
The submission of nomination forms by political parties will close on May 29, while publication of candidates’ personal particulars is fixed for June 19. The final list of candidates is scheduled for release on July 27, 2026.
Further activities include the submission of polling agents on or before August 31, and the publication of the official notice of poll on September 11, 2026.
ENSIEC confirmed that the local government elections will take place on September 26, 2026, with voting expected to run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.
The Commission added that in the event of inconclusive results, runoff elections will be conducted on October 10, 2026.
ENSIEC reiterated that the revised timetable was issued in line with its constitutional mandate and in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
