After the final list of candidates for the Ekiti State governorship election on June 20th was made public, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decided to lift the restriction on public campaigns. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the resident electoral commissioner, made this statement yesterday while speaking to Ado-Ekiti stakeholders and political party leaders. He called on parties to rigorously respect the authorised campaign period and timeframes, announcing that public campaigning would start today and stop at midnight on June 18.
In accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022, Omoseyindemi formally presented the final list of 12 candidates for governor and their running mates, emphasising that the process was finished after the primaries were over, nomination forms were submitted, and any complaints resulting from the nomination process were resolved.
He urged political players to run their campaigns with maturity, moderation, and strict regard to the law, saying that the release of the final list marked the start of a crucial stage in the electioneering process.
The head of INEC affirmed the freedom of parties and candidates to run for office but cautioned that these rights must be used in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act of 2022, and the commission's rules. He emphasised that in order to guarantee sufficient security and avoid a breakdown of law and order, political parties must contact the INEC, security agencies, and other pertinent authorities prior to rallies and campaigns.
Additionally, Omoseyindemi warned political parties and candidates not to utilise hate speech or make inflammatory remarks because doing so might escalate tensions and damage the legitimacy of the election process. Instead of using personal assaults or remarks that could incite violence, the REC advised political players to concentrate on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition.
Any act of violence, intimidation, or disturbance of public order would not be accepted, according to Omoseyindemi, who also stated that violators would face consequences in accordance with the terms of the Electoral Act and other pertinent legislation.
The ruling All Progressives Congress voiced confidence prior to the poll after the ban on public campaigns was lifted, basing its optimism on Governor Biodun Oyebanji's outstanding record since taking office.
Segun Dipe, the state publicity secretary for the APC, stated that the party would run on the governor's track record in the areas of political stability, infrastructure development, worker welfare, and governance, all of which he felt have won Oyebanji the support of the Ekiti people.
Dipe expressed optimism that the accomplishments of the APC-led government would result in the party winning elections and receiving a fresh mandate from the electorate.
