By John Dike, Osogbo
Two months to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified efforts to safeguard the electoral process, bringing together security agencies, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other stakeholders to address potential threats to a peaceful poll.
The move came as the commission held an Electoral Risk Management (ERM) Sensitisation Workshop in Osogbo, aimed at identifying and mitigating factors capable of undermining the credibility, transparency and security of the forthcoming election.
The workshop, held at Halatria Hotels and Towers, Osogbo, attracted top electoral officials, security agencies, development partners and civil society groups amid rising political activities and increasing concerns over election-related tensions in the state.
Leading the exercise was the National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, alongside senior officials from the commission’s headquarters in Abuja and the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Addressing participants, Prof. Ajayi described Electoral Risk Management as a proactive framework designed to identify, assess and address threats that could affect the conduct and outcome of elections.
He stressed that elections in modern democracies face evolving challenges, making collaboration among stakeholders essential to ensuring peaceful and credible polls.
According to him, electoral integrity can only be guaranteed when security agencies, election managers, political actors, the media and civil society groups work together to detect and neutralise risks before they escalate into crises.
In her remarks, Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, said the workshop was organised to deepen cooperation among critical stakeholders and strengthen the collective resolve to deliver a transparent and violence-free election.
She explained that the forum provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, identify possible threats and develop practical strategies for preventing
electoral disputes and violence.
“The commission remains committed to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive election in Osun State. Electoral Risk Management provides a platform for all stakeholders to contribute to the success of the process by identifying risks and proposing solutions before they occur,” she said.
Participants at the workshop included representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), civil society organisations, media groups, electoral officers and other institutions involved in election management.
Deliberations focused on mapping potential flashpoints, identifying early warning indicators and developing mitigation strategies to prevent disruptions before, during and after the election.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders resolved to work collectively to ensure that the governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere that is peaceful, transparent, inclusive and consistent with democratic best practices.
The commission noted that the workshop forms part of a series of preparatory engagements outlined in its timetable for the 2026 governorship election.
INEC has fixed Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the election, while political campaigns are expected to continue until 24 hours before polling day.
Political observers believe the Electoral Risk Management initiative is coming at a critical time as political parties intensify campaigns and competition for the state’s highest office gathers momentum.
With recent exchanges of accusations among major political actors over alleged violence and intimidation, stakeholders say the success of the election will depend largely on the neutrality of security agencies, adherence to electoral laws and the commitment of political parties to peaceful conduct.
As preparations enter a decisive phase, INEC says it remains focused on strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that every eligible voter in Osun State is able to participate freely in choosing the next governor.
