Osun voter apathy concerns prompt INEC action as stakeholders seek solutions to improve turnout ahead of the 2026 governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger cooperation among political actors, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to address Osun voter apathy ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
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INEC described the election as a significant preparation point before the 2027 general elections, saying lessons from the Osun poll would help shape strategies for improving participation and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The call was made by Professor Kunle Ajayi, National Commissioner and Chairman of The Electoral Institute (TEI), during a policy dialogue in Osogbo focused on voter participation and strategies for improving turnout.
Represented by Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ajayi said active citizen participation remained central to credible elections and democratic stability.
“Citizens’ participation remained central to electoral integrity. Democracy becomes stronger when voters actively participate in the electoral process,” Ajayi said.
He added that declining voter turnout remained a major concern for the commission, noting that the dialogue provided an opportunity to develop practical solutions for reversing the trend.
The INEC national commissioner said recent improvements recorded during the Ekiti State governorship election showed that increased voter participation was achievable, adding that the commission hoped Osun would record further progress.
Ajayi urged participants to provide evidence-based recommendations that could encourage more eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process.
The dialogue brought together election officials, academics, civil society organisations, security agencies, political parties, development partners and media representatives to examine barriers affecting voter participation.
Professor Ibrahim Sani, Acting Director-General of TEI, described voter apathy as a serious challenge facing democracy in Nigeria.
Represented by Aishat Usman Jimoh, Deputy Director of Research and Documentation at TEI, Sani said the Osun election offered an opportunity to understand the causes of declining participation and develop solutions that could support future elections.
“Addressing voter apathy requires collective efforts from election managers, political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens,” Sani said.
Osun REC Oluwatoyin Babalola said the strength of any democratic election depended not only on the conduct of the poll but also on citizens’ willingness to participate.
She noted that despite improvements in voter registration, reforms and election technology, voter turnout had continued to decline across Nigeria, including Osun State.
Babalola identified several factors contributing to reduced participation, including declining confidence in political leadership, economic difficulties, misinformation, security concerns, youth disengagement and challenges affecting rural voters and persons living with disabilities.
She said INEC had introduced measures such as Continuous Voter Registration, expanded voter education, technological improvements, better logistics and wider stakeholder engagement to encourage participation.
However, she stressed that reversing the trend would require broader involvement from political parties, traditional institutions, religious organisations, youth groups, women groups, the media and community leaders.
Babalola urged political parties to focus on peaceful and issue-based campaigns while warning stakeholders against practices capable of undermining the electoral process, including violence, vote-buying, hate speech and misinformation.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the commission’s regulations.
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As Nigeria prepares for another major election cycle, stakeholders say improving voter confidence and participation will remain critical to ensuring credible and representative democratic outcomes.
