The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public political campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo. The statement was signed by the Public Affairs Officer of INEC in Osun State, Musa Olurode.
According to the commission, political parties and their candidates are now permitted to begin campaigns from Wednesday, March 11, 2026, following the publication of the final list of candidates for the election.
Agboke noted that the commencement of campaigns is in line with the timetable and schedule of activities earlier released by the electoral body for the 2026 Osun State governorship poll.
He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to strictly adhere to the approved campaign period and conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s regulations and guidelines for political parties.
“As political activities begin across the state, the commission urges all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and orderly manner, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the commission’s regulations and guidelines for political parties,” the statement said.
INEC also cautioned political actors against the use of abusive language, hate speech, violence, or any form of conduct capable of disrupting public peace during the campaign period.
The commission emphasised the need for issue-based campaigns that will enable voters to make informed choices during the election.
It further called on stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public, to contribute to maintaining peace and order throughout the campaign period.
Agboke reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for political activities and to deliver a credible, inclusive, transparent, and violence-free governorship election in Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
