The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday lifted the prohibition on public campaigning in Ekiti State following the publication of the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 governorship election, officially marking the start of the campaign period.
The directive will see campaigns begin on January 21, 2026, and run until midnight on June 18, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said during an engagement with political party leaders in Ado‑Ekiti.
The final list of 12 governorship and deputy governorship candidates cleared for the poll was released after INEC reviewed party primaries, nomination forms, and related submissions.
Omoseyindemi emphasised that the process was conducted in compliance with legal provisions and called on all parties to campaign responsibly, adhering to the law and notifying relevant authorities ahead of planned events. He warned against inflammatory speeches, violence and acts that could disrupt public peace.
Reacting to the lifting of the ban, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed confidence in its campaign strategy ahead of the election.
The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, stated that the party would focus on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s record in governance, highlighting achievements in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare and political stability as central themes of their campaign.
Dipe assured that the APC would engage the electorate on issue‑based platforms and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the period.
In contrast, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the principal opposition party in the state, responded to INEC’s announcement with criticism of the ruling party’s performance.
Chief Segun Adewumi, ADC State Secretary, accused the APC administration of underperformance on issues affecting the daily lives of Ekiti residents and conveyed confidence that widespread dissatisfaction would translate into voter support for the ADC’s candidate, Ambassador Dare Abejide, in the forthcoming election.
He said Ekiti voters were prepared to use the campaign season to assert their desire for change.
The lifting of the campaign ban concludes a preparatory phase of the electoral process in Ekiti, which included candidate screening, list finalisation and resolution of complaints.
Some political stakeholders had previously expressed concerns over candidate exclusions, particularly involving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), whose nominations were not included in the final list due to pending court matters affecting their party leadership.
The renewed campaign period now opens a critical phase in the Ekiti governorship contest, offering parties an extended window to articulate their platforms and engage voters ahead of the scheduled poll later this year.
