Osun Polls: Electoral Commission Cautions Against Violent Acts Throughout Campaign Period

The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a warning to political parties participating in the Osun governorship election, urging them to refrain from using abusive language, hate speech, and violence as the election campaign commences on Wednesday.

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This caution was given by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Dr Mutiu Agboke, through a statement released by the commission's Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Olurode, on Tuesday in Osogbo.

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According to the statement, the commission reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters that the official start of political campaigns is on Wednesday, March 11, as outlined in the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 Osun governorship election.

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The commission urged all parties to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and orderly manner, adhering strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Commission's Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

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Dr Mutiu Agboke specifically reminded political parties to comply with the law, which prohibits the use of abusive language, hate speech, violence, or any act that could disrupt public peace during campaigns.

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Agboke also advised political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, enabling voters to make informed decisions at the polls.

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The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner appealed to various stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public, to play their respective roles in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the campaign period.

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Dr Agboke assured that the commission is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to create a conducive environment for political activities, with the goal of delivering a credible, inclusive, transparent, and violence-free governorship election in Osun on Aug. 15.