The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has amended the timetable for the 2026 Local Government elections, introducing adjustments to key pre-election activities while retaining September 9, 2026, as the official election date.
The revised timetable was announced on Thursday, January 9, 2026, by the Chairman of PLASIEC, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak. According to the Commission, the changes were necessitated by legal, administrative, and operational considerations aimed at ensuring a smoother and more credible electoral process.
One of the major adjustments is the rescheduling of party primaries, which have now been moved from January to March 7–12, 2026. The change effectively extends the preparation period for political parties and aspirants across the state, providing additional time for internal consultations, reconciliation, and organisational planning.
Other pre-election activities, including nomination of candidates, screening, and publication of final candidate lists, have also been shifted forward on the calendar. The screening of candidates is now expected to take place in late March, a move observers say could help address eligibility concerns early and reduce the likelihood of disputes and litigation close to the election date.
The Commission also announced that official campaigns will commence on April 11, 2026, giving political parties and candidates several months to engage voters ahead of the polls. Campaign activities are scheduled to end two days before the election, in line with existing electoral regulations.
Despite the adjustments, PLASIEC maintained key milestones such as the publication of the voters’ register, submission of polling agents, and the election date itself. This, the Commission said, is intended to provide certainty and reassure political stakeholders, security agencies, and civil society organisations involved in the electoral process.
The amended timetable is expected to shape political activities at the grassroots level, as local government elections in Plateau State are often closely contested and viewed as a key indicator of political strength ahead of future state and national elections.
PLASIEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in accordance with the provisions of the PLASIEC Law and relevant electoral guidelines, urging political parties, aspirants, and the electorate to adhere strictly to the revised schedule as preparations continue toward the September 2026 polls.