The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged it’s electoral officers and their assistants in Osun State to intensify grassroots voter education and inclusivity efforts ahead of the gubernatorial election in Osun State.
INEC, during a joint implementation meeting of the Voter Education &, publicity and Gender & and the Inclusivity Departments urged against voter apathy adding that it remains a critical threat to poll participation.
At the event on Monday in Osogbo, officials stressed that elections are a process and not an event, stressing that the August 15, 2026 election should be of extensive voter engagement.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said that successful elections are products of meticulous planning, extensive voter engagement, continuous public sensitization, and deliberate efforts to ensure every eligible citizen is adequately informed and empowered.
Babalola noted that despite improvements in electoral administration, many citizens remain disengaged due to misinformation, distrust, and limited access to information.
She outlined key voter education activities, including campaigns at markets, motor parks, schools, and religious centers, as well as countering misinformation online.
On inclusivity, the INEC figure added that every woman, young person, elderly citizen, and person with disability must be made to feel that the electoral process belongs to them and that their voices matter.
Babalola urged officers to identify communities with historically low turnout, build relationships with traditional rulers and religious leaders, and encourage community ownership of voter education initiatives to ensure broad participation in the Osun governorship election.