The Chairman, Civil Society Matters of the IMOLE Campaign Council, Hon. Funmiso Babarinde, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its proactive preparations ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, particularly its identification of 385 flashpoints and over 200 difficult terrains.
According to Hon. Babarinde while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo on Monday, the commission’s early assessment reflects a commendable commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible and well-coordinated electoral process. He, however, stressed that identifying potential challenges must be complemented by greater transparency and timely engagement with stakeholders.
He therefore urged INEC to publicly identify, where security considerations permit, the local government areas and communities designated as flashpoints and difficult terrains. Such disclosure, he noted, would enable political parties, security agencies, election observers, civil society organisations and residents to strengthen voter education, improve logistics and support conflict prevention initiatives before election day.
Hon. Babarinde also called on the commission to immediately announce the commencement and deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), urging all eligible voters to collect their cards well ahead of the election to avoid disenfranchisement.
Furthermore, he appealed to INEC to make available the updated voter registration data and the certified voters’ register to all participating political parties in accordance with the Electoral Act. According to him, this would allow parties to verify the register, identify possible irregularities, facilitate necessary corrections where applicable, and further enhance confidence in the electoral process.
“The credibility of the forthcoming governorship election will not be determined solely by the absence of violence but by the transparency, inclusiveness and fairness of every stage of the electoral process. As the umpire, INEC must continue to inspire public confidence by ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind and that all political parties have equal access to relevant electoral information.”
Hon. Babarinde reaffirmed the commitment of the IMOLE Campaign Council to a peaceful, issue-driven campaign and urged all political actors to conduct themselves responsibly in the collective interest of Osun State and its democratic future.
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