The Independent National Electoral Commission Wednesday lifted the ban on public campaigns in Ekiti State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said political parties would be allowed to commence campaigns from January 21, 2026, with activities expected to end at midnight on June 18, 2026.
Omoseyindemi made this known on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti, where he urged political parties to conduct themselves with decorum and ensure peaceful campaigns in the build-up to the poll.
The meeting was attended by INEC officials as well as leaders and representatives of political parties participating in the election.
The development came barely 24 hours after INEC published the final list of governorship candidates and their running mates for the 12 political parties cleared to participate in the June 20 election.
Omoseyindemi said the publication of the final list marked a critical phase in the electoral process.
“Following the conclusion of party primaries, submission of nomination forms and the resolution of complaints arising from the nomination process, the Commission has published the final list of candidates and their running mates for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022,” he said.
“With this publication, the campaign period officially enters a critical phase that requires maturity, restraint and strict adherence to the law by all political actors,” he added.
The REC stressed that peaceful campaigns were essential for a credible election and the stability of the state, reiterating INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and peaceful governorship poll.
He urged political parties to conduct their campaigns responsibly and in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Campaigns.
“Any violation of campaign rules or breach of public peace will attract appropriate sanctions in line with the law,” Omoseyindemi warned.
He cautioned parties against hate speech, inciting statements, misinformation and personal attacks, and advised them to refrain from violence, intimidation and disruption of opponents’ lawful activities.
The REC also urged parties to adhere strictly to approved venues, routes and campaign timelines, and to ensure that their supporters and agents conduct themselves peacefully.
He further advised political parties to notify security agencies and relevant authorities ahead of rallies, processions and other campaign activities, assuring that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, would closely monitor campaigns across the state.
Omoseyindemi called on political parties to lead by example, urged the media to report responsibly, and appealed to community and traditional leaders to continue promoting peace in their domains.
