By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and other stakeholders to work together to address voter apathy and increase participation in the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, made the call on Thursday at a Policy Dialogue Forum on the 2026 governorship election held at Adolak Event Centre, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.
Babalola said although Nigeria has recorded significant improvements in voter registration and electoral reforms, voter turnout on election day has remained disappointingly low, describing citizens’ participation as a key measure of the strength and credibility of democracy.
She noted that Osun State has traditionally enjoyed a reputation for active political participation but expressed concern that recent elections have witnessed increasing voter apathy despite a steady rise in the number of registered voters.
According to the REC, the challenge has shifted from voter registration to ensuring that registered voters are mobilised to exercise their civic responsibility at the polls.
She identified declining public trust in political leadership, economic hardship, misinformation, security concerns, youth disengagement and accessibility challenges for rural communities and Persons with Disabilities as some of the factors responsible for low voter turnout.
Despite these challenges, Babalola expressed confidence that the forthcoming election would record improved participation, assuring that INEC was fully prepared to conduct a transparent, credible, inclusive and professionally managed poll through improved planning, effective deployment of technology, enhanced logistics and sustained stakeholder engagement.
The REC stressed that the responsibility for successful elections does not rest on INEC alone, urging political parties to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid violence, hate speech and personal attacks.
She also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial, while urging the media to intensify voter education, provide accurate information and combat fake news.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, youth and women groups were also urged to deepen grassroots voter mobilisation, particularly among first-time voters, women, youths and Persons with Disabilities.
Babalola further appealed to all stakeholders to strengthen year-round voter education, build public confidence in democratic institutions and promote peaceful political participation ahead of the election.
She urged residents of the state to reject violence, vote-buying, hate speech and misinformation, while assuring that the Commission would conduct the election in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
The REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent governorship election, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen democracy and ensure that the outcome of the poll reflects the will of the people of Osun State.
