INEC Approves Osun Guber Campaign Kick-off for March 11, Also Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced March 11, 2026, as the official commencement date for political campaigns ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this on Tuesday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo to mark the commencement of the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state.
According to Agboke, INEC will formally notify political parties and other stakeholders of the campaign timetable in line with provisions of the Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines.
“By God’s grace, full campaign activities will commence on March 11, 2026. We will still meet with stakeholders, especially political parties, to brief them appropriately,” he said.
He warned political actors against making inciting or inflammatory statements, stressing that the commission would not hesitate to apply the law where necessary.
Agboke added that INEC would roll out clear protocols to guide political parties throughout the campaign period.
“We are going to roll out the protocols and conduct of political parties in line with the Electoral Act, as the relevant sections are there to guide everyone,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the commission also lifted the ban on public campaigns in neighbouring Ekiti State, while cautioning parties against actions capable of threatening peace and public order.
In a related development, Christian leaders in Osun State have called on eligible voters to take responsibility for Nigeria’s democratic process by actively participating in elections, noting that citizens must effect change through the ballot.
Leaders of the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and African churches made the call during an ecumenical service held at St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo, Osogbo. The clerics urged Christians to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and vote during the forthcoming governorship election.
They also emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians before, during and after elections, stressing that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
The bishops and church representatives prayed for peaceful elections in Osun State and across the country, encouraging mass participation as a civic and moral responsibility.
The Osun governorship election is expected to attract keen political interest as parties prepare to test their popularity at the polls following the commencement of campaign activities in March.
