INEC Flags Election Hotspots in Osun Governorship Race
INEC has identified 385 flashpoints and over 200 difficult terrains in Osun State as it prepares for the August 2026 governorship election. While commending INEC's proactive steps, the IMOLE Campaign Council urged for greater transparency, including early engagement with stakeholders and sharing of voter registration data, to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced preparations for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, scheduled for August 15, 2026. As part of these proactive measures, INEC has successfully identified 385 flashpoints and designated over 200 areas as difficult terrains within the state, indicating a thorough mapping exercise to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
Hon. Funmiso Babarinde, Chairman of Civil Society Matters for the IMOLE Campaign Council, lauded INEC for its early and proactive steps. He emphasized that the commission's efforts in identifying potential trouble spots and logistically challenging regions demonstrate a strong commitment to facilitating a well-coordinated and credible election. Babarinde highlighted that such early planning is crucial for mitigating potential issues and ensuring operational efficiency on election day.
Despite commending INEC's preparatory work, Babarinde urged the commission to enhance its engagement with stakeholders and improve information dissemination. Specifically, he called upon INEC to promptly announce timelines for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which would allow eligible voters ample time to retrieve their cards before the election. Furthermore, he requested that INEC provide all political parties with updated voter registration data and certified voters' registers, in strict accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. This, he argued, would facilitate proper verification by parties and significantly bolster trust in the entire electoral process.
Babarinde underscored that the ultimate credibility of the election would hinge not merely on the absence of violence, but fundamentally on the transparency and inclusiveness demonstrated at every stage of the electoral cycle. He concluded by reiterating the IMOLE Campaign Council's unwavering commitment to peaceful engagement and implored all political actors in Osun State to conduct themselves with responsibility, thereby safeguarding the state's democratic future.