… 2, 339233 million registered voters to vote across 332 registration areas, 3,763 polling units
By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented the electronic register of voters, ERV, to registered political parties participating in the election in the state, reaffirming its commitment to the conduct of a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent election.
The commission also disclosed that no fewer than 2, 339233 million voters are expected to participate in the governorship election across the state’s 332 Registration Areas, RAs, and 3,763 polling units, PUs, spread across the 30 local government areas of the state and the Modakeke Area Office.
The presentation of the ERV, held on Thursday at the state headquarters of INEC in Osogbo, is one of the statutory activities contained in the commission’s timetable for the election.
It is aimed at promoting transparency and enabling political parties to adequately prepare for the poll.
Presenting the ERV to representatives of the political parties, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the exercise as a major milestone in the commission’s preparations for the governorship election.
She said the register remains one of the most important instruments for guaranteeing transparency, accountability and credibility in the electoral process, stressing that political parties have a responsibility to make proper use of the information it contains.
Welcoming political parties’ representatives, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, election observers, development partners and members of the media, Mrs Babalola
thanked them for their cooperation with the commission throughout the preparations for the election.
She enthused that the prevailing peaceful political atmosphere in Osun State has been made possible through the understanding, maturity and cooperation demonstrated by stakeholders despite the heightened political activities across the state.
She said, “It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you all to this important occasion of the presentation of the ERV to political parties ahead of the forthcoming 2026 Osun State governorship election.
“Let me begin by expressing my profound appreciation to the leadership of all registered political parties in Osun State, our security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners and indeed all stakeholders for the prevailing peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“The maturity, understanding and cooperation demonstrated by all stakeholders have contributed immensely to sustaining peace and strengthening our democratic process.
“It is our sincere hope that this atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and issue-based engagement will continue throughout the electoral process and beyond.”
The REC noted that the presentation of the ERV is not only a statutory obligation, but also a demonstration of INEC’s determination to conduct an election that meets constitutional requirements and international best practices.
She explained that the commission is guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act in compiling, maintaining, updating and making the register of voters available to political parties.
She stressed that Section 20 of the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), mandates INEC to compile, maintain, update and make available the register of voters.
She further explained that Section 19 of the Act provides that copies of the register of voters shall be made available to political parties in both printed and electronic formats not later than 30 days before a general election and 14 days before an off-cycle governorship election.
Mrs Babalola said compliance with these provisions reflects the commission’s commitment to openness, transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.
She explained that the ERV being presented would enable political parties to examine the list of eligible voters in every polling unit, ward and local government area across the state.
She maintained that the register provides political parties with an opportunity to plan their campaigns strategically, deploy resources effectively and engage voters in a lawful and democratic manner ahead of election day.
She urged political parties to see the register not merely as a campaign document, but as an important tool for promoting voter education and strengthening democratic participation.
She added, “The ERV being presented today will enable political parties to review the list of eligible voters across the state ahead of the election.
“It provides an opportunity for parties to adequately plan their campaigns, engage with the electorate in a lawful and meaningful manner, and contribute to a more transparent and inclusive electoral process.”
The REC appealed to political parties to intensify voter mobilisation and encourage eligible citizens to participate peacefully in the election.
She observed that higher voter turnout remains one of the strongest indicators of a healthy democracy and urged party leaders to educate their supporters on the importance of peaceful participation.
She averred that democracy can only flourish when citizens freely exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or inducement.
Mrs Babalola, however, expressed concern over the increasing incidence of vote buying and voter inducement during elections, warning political parties against using the voter register for any unlawful purpose.
She cautioned that the register must never become a tool for identifying voters for financial inducement, intimidation or harassment.
She said, “The register of voters must never be used as an instrument to perpetuate vote buying, voter inducement, intimidation or any other form of electoral malpractice.
“Rather, it should serve as a legitimate means of reaching out to voters with ideas, programmes and policies that will enable them to make informed choices.
“Elections should be contests of ideas and visions for development, not competitions based on inducement or other electoral offences.”
The REC also urged political actors to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, hate speech and the spread of false information capable of heating up the polity ahead of the election.
She reminded stakeholders that peaceful campaigns remain essential to sustaining democracy and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Reaffirming INEC’s readiness for the governorship election, Mrs Babalola said the commission has continued to strengthen its administrative, operational, technological and logistical preparations to ensure a successful poll.
She disclosed that every aspect of the commission’s preparations is being carefully coordinated to guarantee efficiency, transparency and credibility on election day.
She stressed that INEC will continue to engage political parties and other stakeholders while discharging its constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality and integrity.
Assuring all political parties that the commission would provide a level playing field for every contestant and remain neutral throughout the electoral process, Mrs Babalola appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and the electorate to continue supporting the commission’s efforts by remaining peaceful, law-abiding and cooperative before, during and after the election.
She stressed that credible elections cannot be achieved by INEC alone, noting that every stakeholder has a critical role to play in ensuring peaceful and acceptable polls.
She enthused, “The integrity and credibility of the electoral process are collective responsibilities. INEC alone cannot achieve credible elections without the support and cooperation of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, election observers and the electorate.”
She further called on all stakeholders to reject violence, vote buying, misinformation, fake news, hate speech and every other action capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The REC thanked security agencies for their continued collaboration in maintaining law and order, commending the media for informing the public responsibly. She appreciated civil society organisations and development partners for supporting voter education and democratic governance.
She also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance among political actors across the state.
Mrs Babalola expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the August 15 governorship election would further strengthen democracy in Osun State and reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
She, thereafter, formally presented the ERV to representatives of participating political parties, marking another significant milestone in INEC’s preparations for the forthcoming governorship election.
The presentation comes as political parties intensify campaigns across the state ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched governorship contest.
The availability of the register is expected to assist political parties in verifying voter information, strengthening campaign planning, enhancing voter outreach and promoting greater transparency in the electoral process, while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.