The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that political parties will begin public campaigns for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election on Wednesday, January 21.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said campaign activities would run from January 21, 2026 and end at midnight on June 18, 2026.
Omoseyindemi disclosed this on Tuesday, January 20, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti attended by INEC officials, political party leaders and their representatives.
The announcement followed the publication of the final list of governorship candidates and their running mates for the 12 political parties cleared to contest the election, released less than 24 hours earlier.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party were absent from the list, with both parties previously stating that they were in court seeking redress to enable them participate in the poll.
Describing the release of the candidates’ list as a crucial stage in the electoral process, Omoseyindemi said, “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.”
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He added, “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.”
The REC stressed that peaceful campaigns were vital to the credibility of the election and the stability of the state, while reaffirming INEC’s commitment to a transparent and peaceful process.
He warned that, “Any violation of campaign rules or breach of public peace will attract appropriate sanctions in line with the law.”
Omoseyindemi cautioned against hate speech, inciting remarks, misinformation, violence and intimidation, urging parties to respect approved venues, routes and timelines, and to notify security agencies ahead of campaign activities.
Reacting, the Ekiti State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Segun Dipe, said the party would focus on issue-based campaigns centred on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s achievements in governance, infrastructure, workers’ welfare and political stability.
According to him, the administration’s record had earned the APC broad acceptance across the state, expressing confidence of victory.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State, Segun Akinwumi, said the party was prepared for peaceful campaigns, claiming voters were ready to “punish the APC for years of underperformance” and support the ADC candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, in the June 20 election.