The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to intensify collaboration to combat voter apathy ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, describing the poll as a critical benchmark before the 2027 General Elections. The call was made during a policy dialogue held in Osogbo on Thursday, under the theme ‘Voter Apathy and Prospects for Improved Voter Turnout: The 2026 Osun Gubernatorial Election in Perspective’. National Commissioner and Chairman of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Professor Kunle Ajayi, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in strengthening democracy.
Ajayi, represented by Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Oluwatoyin Babalola, highlighted that the Osun election is the last off-cycle governorship poll before the 2027 nationwide elections. He stressed that its outcome and lessons learned would significantly influence INEC’s preparations for the general elections. He noted that voter turnout remains a major concern for the Commission and that the dialogue aimed to explore practical ways to reverse the declining trend.
Ajayi pointed to the recent Ekiti State governorship election as a positive example, where voter participation and electoral quality showed marked improvement. He expressed INEC’s determination to ensure even greater progress in Osun. He called on participants to provide evidence-based recommendations that could enhance voter turnout and strengthen democratic processes.
The event brought together election administrators, academics, civil society organizations, development partners, security agencies, political parties, and the media to discuss challenges affecting voter engagement. Acting Director-General of TEI, Professor Ibrahim Sani, represented by Aishat Usman Jimoh, underscored voter apathy as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized that tackling the issue requires collective action from all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and citizens.
Sani expressed confidence that the dialogue’s recommendations would contribute to a successful Osun election and provide valuable insights for future electoral processes. Osun REC Babalola added that election credibility depends not only on the conduct of the poll but also on citizens’ willingness to vote. She acknowledged that despite reforms like Continuous Voter Registration, improved voter education, and technological upgrades, voter turnout has continued to decline nationwide, including in Osun.
Babalola attributed the drop in participation to factors such as declining public trust in leaders, economic hardship, misinformation, security concerns, youth disengagement, and accessibility issues for rural communities and Persons with Disabilities. She urged political parties to run peaceful, issue-based campaigns and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, educational institutions, youth and women groups, development partners, and the media to intensify voter mobilization and civic education.
She reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Commission regulations. Babalola also appealed for zero tolerance toward violence, vote-buying, hate speech, and misinformation. The dialogue marks a key step in preparing for a more inclusive and credible electoral process, setting a precedent for future elections across Nigeria.
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