Ekiti Gov’ship: Campaigns Begin

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, Mr. 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 Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and end at midnight on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved campaign period and timelines.

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

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

While reaffirming the right of political parties and candidates to campaign freely, the INEC boss warned that all campaign activities must comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s guidelines.

He also reminded political parties of the need to notify INEC, security agencies, and other relevant authorities ahead of rallies and campaign activities to ensure adequate security and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

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

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

He added that any act of violence, intimidation, or breach of public peace would not be tolerated, noting 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 (APC) expressed confidence ahead of the poll, attributing its optimism to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance since assuming office.

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

Dipe expressed confidence that the achievements of the APC-led administration would translate into electoral victory and a renewed mandate from the people of the state.

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

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the leading opposition party, dismissed the claims of the ruling APC, insisting that Ekiti residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the Governor Oyebanji-led administration.

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

Adewumi expressed confidence that the growing dissatisfaction across the state would translate into massive support for the ADC’s candidate, Ambassador Dare Abejide, at the polls.

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He added that Ekiti voters were ready to use the ballot to “punish” the APC for what the party described as years of underperformance and to chart a new political direction for the state.