EKITI 2026: GAME ON AS INEC LIFTS CAMPAIGN BAN

TThe race for the Ekiti State Government House has officially begun as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday lifted the ban on public campaigns for the June 20, 2026, governorship election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while presenting the final list of 12 candidates to political party leaders and stakeholders.

According to the commission, public campaigns commence immediately and will close at midnight on June 18, 2026, in strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

Omoseyindemi warned political actors against turning the state into a theatre of war, urging them to shun hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.

“The publication of the final list signals the beginning of a critical phase,” the REC stated. “We urge political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity. Any act of violence, intimidation, or breach of public peace will not be tolerated.”

He further mandated parties to notify security agencies ahead of rallies to prevent clashes and ensure the safety of the electorate.

Following the announcement, the political atmosphere in the state heated up immediately as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressed divergent views on the contest.

The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, expressed confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s “impressive performance” in infrastructure and workers’ welfare would secure his re-election.

“We are campaigning on a solid record of governance. We believe the Governor has earned widespread acceptance among Ekiti people,” Dipe said, promising an issue-based campaign.

However, the ADC dismissed the ruling party’s optimism. The party’s State Secretary, Chief Segun Adewumi, insisted that residents are dissatisfied with the current administration.

“The APC has failed to meet the expectations of the people,” Adewumi stated. He expressed confidence that the electorate would use the ballot to “punish” the ruling party and elect the ADC candidate, Dare Abejide, to chart a new path for the state.