The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State has advised political parties and their candidates to ensure that their campaign activities comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the commission’s regulations guiding political parties and electioneering activities.
This comes as INEC announced that political campaigns for the 2026 governorship election will officially begin on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
INEC said this is in accordance with the commission’s approved timetable and schedule of activities.
The electoral body disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, and issued by Musa Olurode, the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, on Tuesday.
The commission noted that the commencement of campaigns marks the beginning of open political activities by parties and candidates ahead of the governorship poll slated for August 15, 2026.
“INEC advises political parties and their candidates to ensure that their campaign activities comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the commission’s regulations guiding political parties and electioneering activities.
“All participants in the political process are expected to maintain decorum throughout the campaign period and avoid actions capable of threatening public peace across the state.
“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and orderly manner in strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s regulations and guidelines,” the statement said.
The commission specifically warned against the use of inflammatory rhetoric during the campaign period, emphasising that “hate speech, abusive language, and acts of violence are prohibited under the Electoral Act.”
INEC also encouraged political actors to focus on programmes and policies during their engagements with voters.
“Parties and candidates are advised to focus on issue-based campaigns that will enable voters to make informed choices at the polls,” the commission stated.
The statement noted that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, to ensure that the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State is credible, transparent, inclusive, and free of violence.
Osun 2026: Ensure campaign activities comply with Electoral Act – INEC warns political parties
