INEC Urges Voter Education Ahead of Osun 2026 Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission is ramping up efforts for the Osun State governorship election set for August 15, 2026. They are calling for better voter education, inclusivity, and action against voter apathy in the state.

In a post on its X account on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, made this call during a Joint Implementation Meeting. The meeting focused on Voter Education & Publicity and Gender & Inclusivity in Osogbo.

Babalola spoke about the need for ongoing civic engagement. She said, “Election is a process, not an event.” She warned that if voter education stops, it could lead to lower participation in democracy.

She pointed out that even with improvements in how elections are run, voter apathy is still a big issue. This is caused by misinformation, distrust in the system, political disengagement, and not enough access to reliable electoral information.

Babalola said, “Citizens must understand not only when elections will hold but also why their participation matters.” She emphasized that voter education should not just be about announcements but should involve active engagement at the grassroots level.

She urged Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers to step up community outreach. This includes visiting markets, motor parks, schools, and religious centers. They should also work closely with traditional and religious leaders to boost voter awareness.

On the topic of inclusivity, she said it is crucial for democratic participation. “Inclusivity is not merely a policy objective but a democratic imperative,” she stated. She urged officials to ensure that women, youths, elderly persons, and Persons with Disabilities are included in the electoral process.

Babalola also instructed officials to find communities with low voter turnout in the past and create specific strategies to engage them better.

Reinforcing INEC’s commitment, she said, “Every eligible voter must know why voting matters, how to vote correctly, where to vote, and when to vote.” She added that the Commission is focused on building trust and encouraging more people to participate in the upcoming 2026 governorship election in Osun State.