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 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.
