The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public campaigns ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, following the release of the final list of candidates.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, announced the development on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting with political party leaders in Ado-Ekiti.
He said public campaigns would commence on Wednesday and end at midnight on June 18, urging political parties and candidates to strictly comply with the approved campaign timeline.
Omoseyindemi formally presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, noting that the list was published after the conclusion of party primaries, submission of nomination forms and resolution of disputes, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
He described the release of the final list as the beginning of a crucial phase in the electoral process and called on political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly, peacefully and within the bounds of the law.
While affirming the constitutional right of parties to campaign freely, the REC warned that campaigns must comply with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines. He also reminded parties to notify the commission and security agencies before rallies to ensure adequate security and prevent breaches of public order.
Omoseyindemi cautioned against hate speech, inciting comments, violence and intimidation, stressing that offenders would be sanctioned in accordance with electoral laws. He urged candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks.
Reacting to the development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti expressed confidence ahead of the poll, citing the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji since assuming office. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the APC would campaign on its record in governance, infrastructure, workers’ welfare and political stability.
Dipe said the party would adopt peaceful, issue-driven campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, expressing optimism that the administration’s achievements would secure renewed support from voters.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the main opposition party in the state, dismissed the APC’s claims, alleging growing public dissatisfaction with the Oyebanji-led government. The party’s state secretary, Segun Adewumi, said voters were prepared to back ADC’s candidate, Dare Abejide, to chart a new political direction for Ekiti.
