The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address voter apathy ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, describing the poll as a crucial test before the 2027 General Elections.
The call was made by National Commissioner and Chairman of The Electoral Institute, TEI, Professor Kunle Ajayi, in his opening address during a policy dialogue organised on the theme, ‘Voter Apathy and Prospects for Improved Voter Turnout: The 2026 Osun Gubernatorial Election in Perspective’, on Thursday in Osogbo.
Represented by the Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ajayi described the forthcoming governorship election as the final off-cycle governorship poll before the 2027 General Elections, saying its outcome and lessons would play a significant role in shaping INEC’s preparations for the nationwide elections.
He said,” Citizens’ participation remained central to electoral integrity. Democracy becomes stronger when voters actively participate in the electoral process. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to exercise their sovereignty by choosing those who occupy public offices.
“The rate of voter turnout remains a concern to the Commission, and this dialogue provides an opportunity to engage with stakeholders on how to reverse the prevailing trend.”
He noted that the recent governorship election in Ekiti State recorded encouraging improvements in voter participation and electoral quality, adding that INEC was determined to ensure that Osun achieved even greater progress.
He urged participants to offer practical, evidence-based recommendations capable of improving voter turnout ahead of the election.
Ajayi also described the dialogue as another effort by INEC to bring together election administrators, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, security agencies, political parties, the media and other stakeholders to address challenges surrounding voter turnout and democratic participation.
In his goodwill message, Acting Director-General of TEI, Professor Ibrahim Sani, identified voter apathy as a major challenge to democracy in Nigeria.
Credit: dailypost.ng
