INEC warns against voter apathy ahead of Osun governorship poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has identified voter apathy as one of the major challenges confronting electoral participation in Nigeria and has intensified efforts to address the issue ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, stated this on Monday during a Joint Voter Education and Publicity, VEP, and Gender and Inclusivity, G&I, Implementation Meeting with Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers in Osogbo.

Babalola, who said the meeting formed part of the Commission’s strategic preparations for the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, stressed that successful elections require extensive voter engagement and continuous public sensitisation.

She noted that although electoral administration had witnessed improvements over the years, many eligible citizens still failed to participate actively in elections due to misinformation, inadequate knowledge of electoral processes, distrust in the system, political disengagement and limited access to election-related information.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission recognises that one of the greatest challenges confronting electoral participation in Nigeria is voter apathy,” she said.

According to her, “addressing the challenge requires sustained voter education and strategic public engagement aimed at bridging information gaps among the electorate.”

The REC charged officials of the Voter Education and Publicity Department to intensify awareness campaigns on election timelines, voter registration, transfer of registration, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, polling procedures and election day guidelines.

She also directed electoral officers to strengthen grassroots engagement through outreach programmes in markets, motor parks, religious centres, schools, traditional institutions and community associations.

Babalola urged the officials to identify communities with historically low voter turnout and prioritise voter education activities in such areas.

She emphasised the need for stakeholder engagement involving political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups, women’s associations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professional bodies and labour unions to enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

The REC warned against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, saying false narratives could undermine public trust in elections if not promptly countered.

On inclusivity, she reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring equal participation opportunities for women, youths, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens and other marginalised groups.

“Our goal must be to facilitate an election that is peaceful, inclusive, credible, transparent, and characterised by substantial voter participation,” Babalola said.

Also speaking, Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, described voter education as the bedrock of credible elections.

He pledged the agency’s support for INEC through its community orientation and mobilisation officers across the state’s 30 local government areas.

A representative of Bukola Idowu, the Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Taiwo Seun, said the meeting was necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process and curb vote-buying, vote-selling, misinformation and disinformation.

She added that the organisation would continue to support INEC in its electoral responsibilities.

INEC warns against voter apathy ahead of Osun governorship poll