Osun 2026 Gubernatorial Election: INEC Clears 14 Parties, Excludes PDP and Labour Party

Introduction

The political landscape for the 2026 Osun State governorship election has been dramatically reshaped by a preliminary announcement from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a significant development, the electoral body has officially cleared 14 political parties to field candidates for the August 8, 2026, poll. Notably absent from this initial list are two of Nigeria’s most prominent national parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP). This exclusion sets the stage for a unique electoral contest in the southwestern state, potentially altering traditional power dynamics and voter allegiances. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized breakdown of the INEC statement, the parties cleared, the implications of the PDP and LP’s absence, and what it means for Osun’s electorate as the election cycle formally begins.

Key Points: The INEC Clearance List

Based on the official statement from the Osun State INEC spokesperson, the following 14 political parties successfully met the commission’s requirements for candidate nomination within the stipulated timeframe. This compliance primarily involves the conclusion of valid primaries and the proper uploading of candidates’ names and particulars, including their running mates, via the INEC portal.

• Accord (A)
• Action Alliance (AA)
• African Action Congress (AAC)
• African Democratic Congress (ADC)
• Action Democratic Party (ADP)
• All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
• All Progressives Congress (APC) – The incumbent party in Osun.
• Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
• Action Peoples Party (APP)
• Boot Party (BP)
• New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
• Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
• Young Progressive Party (YPP)
• Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

The critical absence is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party nationally and historically a major force in Osun politics, and the Labour Party (LP), which gained significant traction in the 2023 general elections. INEC’s communiqué explicitly states their non-inclusion stems from a failure to complete the mandatory candidate nomination and upload process by the deadline.

Background: Understanding INEC’s Role and the Osun Electoral Context

INEC’s Regulatory Mandate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the constitutional body charged with organizing elections in Nigeria. Its procedures are governed by the Electoral Act 2022. A critical phase in the election timetable is the submission of candidates’ names through Form EC9 (Notice of Election and List of Candidates). This must be done after valid party primaries and within a commission-stipulated window. Failure to comply results in automatic exclusion, as per Section 29(3) of the Act, which mandates the publication of the final list of candidates.

Osun State’s Political Significance

Osun State is often considered a political bellwether in Nigeria’s Southwest. It has a history of oscillating between the two dominant national parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The 2022 governorship election, which was later nullified, and the 2023 presidential election results highlighted the state’s competitive nature and the potential influence of third parties. The exclusion of the PDP, in particular, creates a unprecedented scenario where a major national party may not have a gubernatorial candidate on the ballot, potentially opening the field for the APC to face a fragmented opposition or for a minor party to mount a surprise challenge.

The 2026 Election Timetable

The election is scheduled for August 8, 2026. The timeline for party activities, including primaries and candidate submission, is strictly enforced. INEC’s announcement in mid-February 2025 marks the official commencement of the substantive campaign period for the cleared parties, as the list of candidates is now considered final barring court orders or successful substitution applications within the legal framework.

Analysis: Implications of the PDP and LP Exclusion

Immediate Political Consequences

The most direct implication is the removal of two established political machinery platforms from the ballot. For the PDP, this is a major setback in a state it once governed and views as a strategic target. Its absence means its vast grassroots network and potential voter base will either stay home, engage in protest voting, or potentially migrate to other opposition candidates, most likely from the NNPP or APGA, which have structures in the state. For the Labour Party, whose “Obidient” movement influenced the 2023 elections, the exclusion signals a decline in organizational capacity at the state level for this specific election cycle.

Fragmentation vs. Consolidation of Opposition

With the two largest opposition parties out, the opposition vote could become highly fragmented among the 12 remaining parties. This fragmentation typically benefits the incumbent APC, as the anti-incumbency vote is split. However, there is a possibility of a tactical consolidation. Parties like the NNPP (with a growing national profile) and APGA (with historical Southeastern appeal that might resonate in some Osun communities) could attract significant protest votes. The PRP, with its socialist roots, might also appeal to disaffected voters.

INEC’s Firm Stance on Compliance

INEC’s action reinforces its declared commitment to strict adherence to the electoral timetable. This move is likely a response to criticisms of laxity in previous cycles. By publicly listing the non-compliant parties (by omission), INEC sends a strong message to all political entities about the non-negotiable nature of deadlines. This enhances the commission’s image for professionalism but may attract criticism from those who view the exclusion of major parties as detrimental to democratic choice.

Potential for Legal Challenges

It is highly probable that the excluded parties, especially the PDP, will explore legal avenues. They may challenge the grounds for their exclusion, potentially arguing technicalities in the upload process or internal party crisis that impeded compliance. Such litigation could extend to the courts and potentially impact the final list of candidates if a court orders INEC to include a party. However, INEC’s statement is based on a clear, objective failure to meet a deadline, which historically is a defensible position in court. The legal implications will center on the interpretation of “valid primaries” and “upload” under the Electoral Act.

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

For Voters in Osun State

• Verify the Final List: INEC has published the Form EC9 details containing names, photographs, and running mates of all cleared candidates. This list is displayed at the INEC State Office in Osogbo, all 30 Local Government Area offices, and the Area Office. Voters should consult these physical displays or the official INEC website to confirm the candidates on their ballot.
• Understand Your Choices: With 14 parties, voter research is crucial. Voters should look beyond party acronyms to understand each candidate’s platform, background, and the party’s ideology. The absence of PDP and LP makes this research even more important.
• Beware of Misinformation: The political vacuum created by the PDP/LP exclusion will likely be filled with rumors. Rely only on official INEC communications and reputable news sources for verified information.

For Political Parties and Candidates

• Campaign Within the Law: The cleared 14 parties must now focus on issue-based campaigns. INEC and security agencies will be monitoring for hate speech, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices.
• Prepare for Substitution: Should a cleared candidate withdraw or become ineligible, the party has a statutory period to substitute the candidate following due process. All parties must be familiar with these substitution rules under the Electoral Act 2022.
• Engage with INEC: Parties must maintain open channels with INEC for all necessary certifications and to attend all scheduled meetings, such as the final candidate forum.

For the Media and Civil Society

• Fact-Check Relentlessly: The narrative around “excluded parties” will be heated. Media must constantly reference INEC’s official statement and the specific requirements of the Electoral Act.
• Analyze the New Dynamics: Move beyond reporting the list. Provide analysis on the strengths and weaknesses of the 14 cleared parties in Osun, their financial capabilities, and their candidate profiles.
• Educate the Electorate: Use platforms to explain why parties were excluded (failure to upload by deadline) and what Form EC9 represents. This strengthens electoral literacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why exactly were the PDP and Labour Party not cleared by INEC?

According to INEC’s official statement, the parties failed to complete the mandatory process of uploading the names and particulars of their candidates and running mates through the commission’s online portal within the stipulated deadline. The commission’s requirement is binary: compliance by the deadline results in clearance; failure results in exclusion. The statement does not cite internal party crises as a reason, focusing solely on the procedural lapse.

Can the PDP or LP still be on the ballot for the August 8, 2026 election?

Their inclusion now is highly unlikely and would require extraordinary legal intervention. The list published by INEC is the final list for the election, as per the Electoral Act. The only possibility would be if a court of competent jurisdiction issues a mandatory order compelling INEC to include a party based on a successful suit challenging the commission’s decision. Such a suit would have to prove that INEC acted erroneously or that the party, in fact, complied before the deadline. Given the clear-cut nature of the upload deadline, this is a high legal hurdle.

What is Form EC9 and why is it important?

Form EC9 is the official “Notice of Election and List of Candidates” issued by INEC. It is the definitive public document that contains the names, photographs, addresses, and running mates of all candidates cleared for an election. Its publication, as mandated by Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, is the final step before the campaign proper begins. It serves as the official ballot paper template and is the primary source for voters to identify their choices. INEC has displayed copies of Form EC9 for the Osun election at designated offices.

Does the exclusion of the PDP mean the APC will win automatically?

No. While the APC is the sole party among Nigeria’s three largest (APC, PDP, LP) on the ballot, it faces a field of 13 other parties. The election is not “won by default.” The APC will have to campaign vigorously against these opponents. The key variable is how the traditional PDP and LP voters, as well as independent voters, redistribute their support. This could lead to a consolidation behind one major challenger (e.g., NNPP or APGA) or a spread that makes the APC’s path to victory easier. Voter turnout and the quality of the opposition candidates will be decisive factors.

What happens if a cleared candidate dies or withdraws before the election?

The Electoral Act 2022 provides a clear substitution process. If a nominated candidate dies or withdraws after the publication of Form EC9 but at least 90 days before the election, the political party has 14 days to submit a replacement candidate’s name and particulars to INEC. If this occurs within 90 days of the election, the election for that specific position may be postponed. All cleared parties are aware of this timeline and have succession plans.

How can I, as an Osun resident, confirm the final list of candidates?

You can visit any of the following locations to inspect the physical copies of Form EC9: the INEC State Office in Osogbo, any of the 30 Local Government Area INEC offices in Osun, or the Area Office of the Commission in Osun. Additionally, the official INEC website (inecnigeria.org) is expected to publish the final list digitally. Always ensure you are on the official “.org.ng” domain to avoid phishing sites.

Conclusion

The INEC clearance of 14 parties for the 2026 Osun governorship election