The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has revised the timetable for the 2026 local government elections, adjusting several pre-election activities while maintaining September 9, 2026, as the official date for the polls.
The revised schedule was announced by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Plangji Cishak, who said the decision followed extensive reviews of legal, administrative and operational considerations.
According to him, the adjustment is aimed at strengthening the electoral process and ensuring that all stages of the exercise meet acceptable standards of transparency, legality and credibility.
One of the major changes affects party primaries, which have been moved from January to between March 7 and March 12, 2026. Cishak explained that the shift would provide political parties and aspirants with adequate time for consultations, reconciliation and proper organisation ahead of candidate selection.
He noted that the new dates would reduce pressure on political actors and allow parties to field candidates through more inclusive and orderly processes.
Other key activities such as nomination of candidates, screening and the publication of final candidate lists have also been rescheduled. Screening is now slated for late March, a move observers believe could help address eligibility issues early and minimise disputes before the elections.
The Commission further disclosed that official campaign activities will commence on April 11, 2026, and end two days before the election, in line with existing electoral regulations.
Despite the changes, PLASIEC retained major milestones including the publication of the voters’ register, submission of polling agents and the election date itself. Cishak said keeping these critical dates unchanged would provide certainty for political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations involved in election planning and coordination.
Local government elections in Plateau State are traditionally keenly contested and are often seen as a test of political strength ahead of future state and national elections.
PLASIEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in line with the provisions of the PLASIEC Law and established electoral guidelines. The Commission also urged political parties, aspirants and voters to adhere strictly to the revised timetable as preparations continue towards the September 2026 polls.
PLASIEC Revises Timetable for 2026 Plateau LG Elections, Retains September 9 Poll Date
