As preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026, Osun State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) across the state to embark on aggressive grassroots voter education and inclusivity campaigns aimed at boosting voter participation.
The charge was given during a high-level Joint Implementation Meeting of the Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) and Gender & Inclusivity (G&I) Departments held on Monday in Osogbo.
Speaking at the meeting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, stressed that successful elections are built on effective planning, continuous public engagement, and deliberate efforts to ensure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process.
She noted that voter apathy remains a major challenge, with many citizens staying away from elections due to misinformation, inadequate understanding of electoral procedures, distrust in the system, political disengagement, and limited access to credible election information.
According to the REC, voter education is especially critical in a stand-alone governorship election, as citizens must clearly understand not only the election date but also the importance of exercising their voting rights.
Mrs. Babalola highlighted key voter education strategies, including public sensitisation campaigns, community outreach in markets, schools, motor parks and religious centres, stakeholder engagement, and efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation.
On inclusivity, she described the participation of women, youth, elderly citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalised groups as a democratic necessity rather than a policy option.
She urged electoral officers to identify communities with historically low voter turnout, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, and sustain regular voter education activities at the grassroots level.
“Every eligible voter must know why voting matters, how to vote correctly, where to vote, and when to vote. Every woman, young person, elderly citizen, and person with disability must feel that the electoral process belongs to them and that their voices count,” she said.
The initiative forms part of INEC’s broader efforts to increase voter awareness, promote inclusivity, and ensure a credible and participatory governorship election in Osun State.
