INEC Lifts Campaign Ban as Ekiti Governorship Race Enters Critical Phase

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 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Bunmi Omoseyindemi, announced this on Tuesday while addressing political party leaders and other stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti. He said public campaigns would commence today and end at midnight on June 18, urging all parties to strictly comply with the approved campaign timetable.

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

He noted that the publication of the final list marked the beginning of a crucial phase in the electioneering process and called on political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity, restraint, and strict adherence to the law.

While affirming the right of political parties and candidates to campaign freely, the REC cautioned that such rights must be exercised in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines. He also reminded parties of the need to formally 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 further warned against the use of hate speech, inciting remarks, or inflammatory rhetoric, stressing that such actions could heighten tension and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. He urged parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition rather than personal attacks or statements 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 Electoral Act and other applicable laws.

Following the lifting of the campaign ban, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed confidence ahead of the election, citing Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance since assuming office.

The APC State Publicity Secretary, 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 residents. He expressed optimism that the administration’s achievements would translate into electoral victory and a renewed mandate for the APC.

Dipe added that the party would adopt issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory language, emphasising that peaceful engagement with the electorate remained central to its strategy.

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the leading opposition party in the state, dismissed the APC’s optimism, arguing that Ekiti residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the Oyebanji-led administration.

The ADC State Secretary, Chief Segun Adewumi, accused the APC government of failing to meet the expectations of the people, alleging poor performance in key areas affecting the daily lives of residents. He expressed confidence that growing dissatisfaction across the state would translate into support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dare Abejide, at the polls.

Adewumi said Ekiti voters were prepared to use their ballots to “punish” the APC for what he described as years of underperformance and to chart a new political direction for the state.