The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has directed political parties and candidates to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act 2022 and its own regulations as campaigns for the 2026 governorship election officially commence on March 11, 2026.
This timeline follows INEC’s published schedule, with the election itself set for August 15, 2026. In a statement issued by the state Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, and signed by Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the commission emphasized that all campaigning must be conducted within legal boundaries.
INEC warned that the campaign period must be free from hate speech, abusive language, and violence, all prohibited under the Electoral Act. Political actors are urged to maintain public decorum and avoid any actions that could threaten peace. The commission specifically advocated for issue-based campaigns, encouraging parties and candidates to focus on policies and programmes to inform voter choices.
The statement reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to ensure the August 15 poll is credible, transparent, inclusive, and violence-free. This early directive underscores the commission’s focus on enforcing conduct rules ahead of the state’s key electoral contest.
