With less than six months to the Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political actors to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and its accompanying regulations and guidelines as campaigns prepare to commence.
The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, issued the warning on Tuesday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held ahead of the formal start of electioneering by political parties. INEC has fixed March 11, 2026, as the official date for the commencement of campaigns in the state.
Agboke described political rallies as a vital element of democratic engagement, noting that they provide a platform for parties to articulate their visions and allow voters to assess the competence and suitability of candidates.
“Campaigns are not merely ceremonial displays of strength; rather, they are constitutionally and legally recognised avenues for presenting policy alternatives and manifestoes to the electorate,” he said.
He emphasised that electioneering must go beyond popularity contests and focus on educating voters about party ideologies, mobilising lawful support through persuasion, and deepening democratic participation.
According to him, all campaign activities must comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, the Peace Accord framework, and relevant security advisories.
Agboke urged political parties to centre their rallies and engagements on substantive policy issues rather than rhetoric capable of inciting division.
“The electorate deserves concrete plans on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure, economic growth, security and social inclusion — not personal attacks, not inflammatory rhetoric and certainly not divisive propaganda,” he stated.
He outlined key expectations for political parties and stakeholders, including issue-based engagement, public rejection of vote-buying, combating misinformation and disinformation, voter education, peace advocacy and civic mobilisation.
Delivering a lecture titled “Campaigns Beyond the Box: Working Within the Frame,” Professor Anthonia Simbine warned against hate speech and campaigning in prohibited public spaces, urging strict compliance with legal boundaries.
Security agencies also reinforced the call for responsible conduct. Representing the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ademola Adebayo, stressed that credible elections are a shared responsibility.
“It is not the job of INEC alone; political parties must play their part to ensure the process is free and fair,” he said, cautioning against desperation and the use of firearms or other dangerous weapons during campaigns.
Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun Commandant, Emmanuel Igbalawole Sotiyo, identified political desperation as a major trigger of election violence and warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, also cautioned against hate speech, while the NYSC Osun Coordinator, Ekang Ita Kubiangha, assured that corps members deployed for election duties would receive adequate training and protection.
In his remarks, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Pastor Victor Akande, urged stakeholders to cascade the message to grassroots communities and intensify voter education efforts ahead of the polls.
The meeting underscored a unified call for peaceful, issue-driven campaigns as Osun State prepares for a crucial governorship contest later this year.
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