Ekiti Governorship Poll: INEC Issues Fresh Warning on Hate Campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will officially lift the restriction on public political campaigns on Wednesday ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed that all political parties cleared to participate in the election would be permitted to begin their campaign activities starting from January 21, 2026. He further explained that all forms of political campaigning must cease by midnight on June 18, 2026, in line with electoral guidelines.

Dr. Omoseyindemi made this announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Ado-Ekiti. At the meeting, he emphasized the need for discipline, mutual respect, and peaceful conduct among political parties throughout the campaign period as preparations intensify for the governorship poll.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by senior INEC officials, alongside leaders and representatives of the political parties cleared to contest in the election. The gathering served as a platform to outline expectations and reinforce compliance with electoral laws.

This development came less than 24 hours after INEC released the final list of governorship candidates and their respective running mates representing the 12 political parties approved to take part in the June 20 election.

It will be recalled that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), whose candidates were not included in the published list, had earlier disclosed that they were pursuing legal action. According to the parties, the court cases were aimed at securing judicial relief that would enable their participation in the election.

According to Dr. Omoseyindemi, the release of the final candidates’ list signifies a crucial stage in the electoral calendar and signals the formal transition into active political campaigning.

He explained that following the completion of party primaries, the submission of nomination documents, and the resolution of disputes arising from the nomination process, INEC proceeded to publish the final list of candidates and their running mates. He noted that this action was carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 governing elections in Nigeria.

The REC stressed that the commencement of campaigns marks a sensitive and important phase that demands restraint, responsibility, and strict observance of the law by all political stakeholders.

He further stated that peaceful campaigns are fundamental to achieving a credible election outcome and maintaining stability within Ekiti State. He reiterated INEC’s firm commitment to organizing a transparent, credible, and violence-free governorship election.

Dr. Omoseyindemi urged all political parties to conduct their campaigns responsibly and in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Campaign Activities.

He warned that any breach of campaign regulations or actions capable of disrupting public order would be met with appropriate sanctions as provided by law.

The REC specifically cautioned political actors against engaging in hate speech, provocative rhetoric, misinformation, and personal attacks. He advised parties to avoid actions that could incite violence, intimidate opponents, or obstruct lawful political activities.

Additionally, he called on political parties to strictly observe approved campaign venues, designated routes, and stipulated timelines. He emphasized the responsibility of parties to ensure that their supporters and campaign agents behave peacefully during all activities.

Dr. Omoseyindemi also advised political parties to notify security agencies and relevant authorities ahead of rallies, marches, and other campaign events. He assured stakeholders that INEC, working closely with security agencies and other partners, would actively monitor campaign activities across the state to ensure compliance.

He appealed to political parties to set positive examples, urged the media to uphold responsible journalism, and called on traditional rulers and community leaders to continue promoting peace within their respective communities.

Reacting to the commencement of the campaign period, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Segun Dipe, stated that the party intended to focus on issue-based campaigning.

According to him, the APC would highlight the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, particularly in the areas of governance, infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, and political stability across the state.

He expressed confidence that the achievements recorded under the Oyebanji-led government had earned the ruling party broad acceptance among residents of Ekiti State, adding that the APC was optimistic about securing victory in the forthcoming election.

In contrast, the Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Segun Akinwumi, said the party was fully prepared to engage in peaceful and issue-driven campaigns.

He claimed that voters in Ekiti were determined to use their votes to express dissatisfaction with what he described as years of underperformance by the APC and to pursue a new political direction for the state.

Akinwumi maintained that increasing public discontent with the Oyebanji administration would reflect at the polls, predicting that support would translate into votes for the ADC governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, during the June 20 election.