NB247
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public campaigns, signalling the commencement of campaigns for the Ekiti governorship election slated for June 20.
The commission had on Tuesday published the final list of candidates for the election, which curiously committed the names of the candidates of the PDP and the SDP.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the tate, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed this while addressing leaders of political parties and stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Mr Omoseyindemi said public campaigns would commence 21 January and end at midnight on 18 June 18.
He asked political parties to strictly adhere to the approved campaign period and timelines, as well as to shun hate campaign.
Mr Omoseyindemi formally presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, stressing that the process was concluded following the conclusion of primaries, submission of nomination forms and the resolution of complaints arising from the nomination exercise, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
He said that the publication of the list signalled the beginning of a critical phase of the electioneering, urging political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity, restraint and strict adherence to the law.
While affirming the right of parties and candidates to campaign freely, the REC warned that such rights must be exercised in line with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines.
He reminded political parties of the need to notify the INEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities ahead of rallies and campaigns, stressing that such was necessary to ensure adequate security and prevent breakdown of law and order.
Mr Omoseyindemi noted that inciting comments could inflame tensions and undermine the credibility of the electoral process, urging political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition, rather than resorting to personal attacks or statements capable of provoking violence.
He said any act of violence, intimidation or breach of public peace would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
