Jos, Plateau State — January 9, 2026
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Thursday, 9th January 2026, held a pivotal press briefing at its Headquarters on No. 7 Mark Samci Road, Jos, to present the updated timetable and schedule of activities for the forthcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
The event brought together political stakeholders, representatives of security agencies, civil society groups, members of the press, and other invited guests. It served as a crucial platform for clarifying adjustments made to the previously issued Notice of Election and reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent and credible electoral process
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, expressed gratitude to all attendees for honoring the invitation and extended a heartfelt apology for the unavoidable delay in the commencement of the briefing.
Despite this challenge, the Chairman emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the Commission considered it necessary to provide updates on the Notice of Election and other related activities.
The Chairman reiterated that PLASIEC had issued the original Notice of Election in September 2025, signaling the official start of preparations for the 2026 Local Government polls.
He noted that the latest adjustments were not arbitrary but guided by:
- Legal requirements
- Administrative considerations
- Operational realities
- All revisions, he assured, were aimed at ensuring a credible, inclusive, and well-coordinated electoral process, in line with:
Sections 15, 19, 21, and 33 of the PLASIEC Law, 2024
Section 197(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended)
And all other enabling electoral laws
Election Day Fixed for 9th September 2026
The Commission formally announced that the Local Government Elections will be held across the 17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State on:
Wednesday, 9th September, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This date aligns with Section 19(2) of the PLASIEC Law, which stipulates that such elections must not hold earlier than 90 days before the expiration of the tenure of outgoing office holders.
Key Adjustments in the 2026 Election Timetable
Below is a summary of the major changes presented at the briefing:
1. Notice of Election
Completed earlier on 4th September 2025.
2. Party Primaries
Old Date: 12th – 30th January 2026
New Date: 7th – 12th March 2026
3. Collection of Nomination Forms (PECO 1 & PEC 4C)
Old Date: 2nd – 6th February 2026
New Date: 13th – 17th March 2026
4. Submission of Nomination Forms
Old Date: 9th February 2026
New Date: 18th – 19th March 2026
5. Publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates
Old Date: 7th March
New Date: 21st March 202
6. Screening of Chairmanship Candidates
Old Date: 11th – 12th March
New Date: 23rd – 24th March 2026
7. Screening of Councillorship Candidates
Old Date: 13th March
New Date: 25th March 2026
8. Publication of Cleared Candidates
30th March 2026
9. Petitions & Appeals Window
20th – 31st March 2026
10. Hearing of Appeals
1st – 6th April 2026
11. Final List of Candidates
- 9th April 2026
12. Campaign Commencement
11th April 2026
Campaigns will officially close at 12 midnight on 8th September 2026, in line with constitutional provisions.
Other key activities such as publication of the register of voters, submission of polling agents, and the Notice of Poll remain unchanged
PLASIEC reminded all political parties of their legal obligation to issue a 21-day notice to the Commission before conducting their primaries. The Chairman stressed that compliance with this requirement would help maintain order, reduce disputes, and enhance the integrity of the elections
As the briefing came to a close, Chairman Cishak reaffirmed PLASIEC’s unwavering dedication to conducting a free, fair, and inclusive election. He thanked all participants for their cooperation and invited questions from members of the press and other stakeholders.
The event ended on a positive and purposeful note, establishing a clear roadmap as Plateau State moves closer to the 2026 Local Government Elections.
