The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has officially announced that local government council elections across the state will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The announcement, published in the Enugu State Official Gazette No. 3, Vol. 34, dated August 28, 2025, was made pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission Law Cap. 59, the Enugu State Independent Electoral (Amendment) Law 2024, and the Local Government Law 2020.
ENSIEC, empowered by law to organize, undertake and supervise local government elections, said duly completed nomination papers for all candidates must be delivered to its headquarters at No. 3, Achi Street, Independence Layout, Enugu.
Election Timetable Released
Alongside the notice, ENSIEC released a comprehensive timetable of activities leading to the polls. Key highlights include:
Publication of Notice of Election: August 20, 2025.
Meeting with Political Parties on Guidelines: October 17, 2025.
Submission of Party Primary Information: November 27 – December 12, 2025.
Conduct of Party Primaries: January 23 – February 19, 2026.
Collection of Nomination Forms: February 20 – 27, 2026.
Screening of Councillorship Candidates: March 19 – 21, 2026, at senatorial headquarters.
Screening of Chairmanship Candidates: March 25 – 27, 2026, at ENSIEC headquarters.
Deadline for Submission of Nomination Forms: March 30, 2026.
Publication of Candidates’ Particulars: April 6, 2026.
Withdrawal or Replacement of Candidates: April 27, 2026.
Publication of Final List of Candidates: April 29, 2026.
Commencement of Campaigns: April 29, 2026.
Submission of Polling Agents’ Names: August 13, 2026.
Publication of Notice of Poll: September 11, 2026.
End of Campaigns: September 25, 2026.
Election Day: September 26, 2026, with accreditation and voting scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., using the open-secret ballot system.
Run-off or Re-run (if required): October 10, 2026.
The timetable strictly follows provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, ensuring transparency and legal compliance in the electoral process.
ENSIEC Chairman Speaks
In the gazette notice, ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian C. Ngwu (Ph.D, MNAL), who signed the schedule, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible elections across the state’s 17 local government areas.
