The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on campaign activities for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

This was revealed in a statement containing the final lists of candidates signed by Sam Olumekun, the national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee of INEC, released on Wednesday.

The commission also revealed that 17 political parties will field candidates and participate in the Ondo governorship election.

“With the publication of the final list of candidates, the next activity is the electioneering campaign.

“As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

“Therefore, Political Parties are now permitted to start a campaign in public from Wednesday, June 19, 2024, and end at midnight on Thursday, November 14 2024, as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election,” the statement read.

The electoral body reminded candidates, agents, and their supporters of the law’s provision and the commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” it added.