INEC steps up readiness for Osun governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, with a renewed focus on voter education, inclusivity and strategies to address voter apathy.

The Commission disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Monday, following a Joint Implementation Meeting involving its Voter Education and Publicity as well as Gender and Inclusivity departments in Osogbo.

Speaking at the meeting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, stressed the importance of sustained civic engagement ahead of the poll, describing elections as a continuous process rather than a one-day event.

“Election is a process, not an event,” Babalola said, warning that inadequate voter education could undermine participation and weaken the democratic process.

She noted that despite improvements in electoral administration over the years, voter apathy remains a significant challenge. According to her, factors such as misinformation, public distrust, political disengagement and limited access to credible electoral information continue to discourage citizens from participating in elections.

Babalola emphasised that voter education must move beyond routine announcements and become more community-focused to effectively reach eligible voters.

“Citizens must understand not only when elections will hold but also why their participation matters,” she said.

To achieve this objective, the REC directed Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers across the state to intensify grassroots sensitisation campaigns. She urged them to engage residents in markets, motor parks, schools, religious centres and other public spaces while strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers and religious leaders.

She also underscored the need for inclusivity in the electoral process, describing it as essential to democratic governance.

“Inclusivity is not merely a policy objective but a democratic imperative,” Babalola stated.

She called on electoral officials to ensure that women, young people, elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities are actively included in voter education and election-related activities.

The REC further instructed officials to identify communities with historically low voter turnout and design targeted awareness campaigns aimed at increasing participation ahead of the governorship election.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election, Babalola said INEC remains focused on building public trust and encouraging wider voter participation across the state.

“Every eligible voter must know why voting matters, how to vote correctly, where to vote, and when to vote,” she said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with political parties and electoral stakeholders already stepping up activities ahead of the poll.

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