The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public campaigns following the release of the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, announced this on Tuesday while addressing political party leaders and other stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Omoseyindemi said public campaigns would commence on January 21, 2026, and end at midnight on June 18, 2026, urging political parties to strictly comply with the approved campaign period and timelines.

He formally presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, noting that the process followed the conclusion of party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and resolution of complaints arising from the nomination exercise, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

According to him, the publication of the final list marks the beginning of a critical phase of the electioneering process, and political actors must conduct their campaigns with maturity, restraint, and strict adherence to the law.

While reaffirming the right of political parties and candidates to campaign freely, the INEC boss warned that such activities must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s guidelines.

He reminded political parties of the need to notify the INEC, security agencies, and other relevant authorities ahead of rallies and campaigns, stressing that such was necessary to ensure adequate security and prevent breakdown of law and order.

Omoseyindemi also cautioned political parties and candidates against the use of hate speech and inciting comments, warning that such conduct could inflame tensions and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The REC urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition, rather than resorting to personal attacks or statements capable of provoking violence.

Omoseyindemi said any act of violence, intimidation, or breach of public peace would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

Following the lifting of the ban on public campaigns, the ruling All Progressives Congress expressed confidence ahead of the poll, hinging its optimism on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s impressive performance since assuming office.

The APC state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said that the party would campaign on the governor’s record in governance, infrastructural development, workers’ welfare, and political stability in the state, which he believed has earned Oyebanji widespread acceptance among Ekiti people.

Dipe expressed confidence that the APC-led administration’s achievements in office would translate into electoral victory for the party and a renewed mandate from the people.

The party spokesman assured that APC would adopt issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, noting that peaceful engagement with the electorate remained central to its strategy.

But, the African Democratic Congress, the leading opposition party, dismissed the ruling APC, insisting that Ekiti residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the Governor Oyebanji-led administration in the state.

The party’s state Secretary, Chief Segun Adewumi, alleged that the APC had failed to meet the expectations of the people, accusing Oyebanji of poor performance in key areas affecting the daily lives of residents.

Akinwumi said that he was confident that the growing dissatisfaction across the state would translate into support for its candidate, Ambassador Dare Abejide, at the polls.

The party’s scribe added that Ekiti voters were ready to use the ballot to “punish” the APC for what it described as years of underperformance and to chart a new political direction for the state. (The Nation)

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