The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has approved fresh adjustments to the timetable for the 2026 local government elections, extending the period for political parties to conduct their primaries.
The development marks a significant shift in the election calendar as political parties are now given more time to complete internal processes ahead of the polls.
The Commission attributed the adjustment to recent legal changes, particularly the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
PLASIEC had earlier issued the notice of election and released its timetable on September 4, 2025, in compliance with relevant provisions of the PLASIEC Law 2024 and the Electoral Act 2022.
Under the revised schedule, party primaries will now run from Saturday, March 7 to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, extending beyond the earlier deadline of March 12.
Following the primaries, political parties are expected to collect nomination forms between April 8 and April 10, 2026.
Submission of completed nomination forms to the Commission has been fixed for April 13 to April 17, 2026.
The publication of personal particulars of candidates will take place on April 20, 2026, in line with electoral guidelines.
Screening of chairmanship candidates and their running mates is scheduled for April 22 to April 25, 2026.
Similarly, councillorship candidates will undergo screening from April 26 to April 30, 2026.
PLASIEC will publish the list of qualified candidates on May 20, 2026, while appeals from aggrieved aspirants will be received on May 21 and heard on May 22, 2026.
The final list of nominated candidates is expected to be released on June 8, 2026, with political campaigns set to commence on June 9, 2026.
Other major activities in the timetable remain unchanged, including the publication of the voters register on July 21, 2026, submission of polling agents on August 12, 2026, and the notice of poll on August 17, 2026.
Campaigns will officially end at midnight on September 7, 2026, ahead of the elections scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.
The Commission reassured political parties and stakeholders of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, urging strict compliance with the revised timetable and guidelines.
