The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political campaigns for the Osun State governorship election will officially begin on March 11, 2026, following an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, said INEC will formally communicate campaign timelines and provide clear protocols to guide political parties during the campaign period, in line with the Electoral Act.
At the same meeting, high-ranking clerics from the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and African churches urged eligible voters to take ownership of the democratic process.
Speaking during an ecumenical service at St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo, Osogbo, they called on Christians to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, John Oyejola, described voting as both a civic and moral duty, warning that failure to vote is sinful and selling PVCs is a greater moral failing.
He stressed that God empowers citizens to effect change through the ballot and will not intervene where people can act for themselves.
In Ekiti State, INEC has lifted the ban on public campaigns after releasing the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
REC Bunmi Omoseyindemi announced that campaigns will run from January 21, 2026, to June 18, 2026, urging political parties to avoid hate speech and strictly adhere to approved timelines and legal guidelines.
Omoseyindemi also presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, noting the process concluded after primaries, nomination submissions, and complaint resolutions.
Meanwhile, APC’s state publicity secretary, Segun Dipe, said the party will focus its campaign on the governor’s record in governance, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, and political stability.