The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that exactly 2,339,233 voters are registered and eligible to vote in the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial race scheduled for August 15, 2026. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, shared this data during a formal handover of the Electronic Register of Voters to political organizations in Osogbo on Thursday.
Babalola emphasized that providing the register is a vital step toward ensuring the integrity and openness of the election. This action aligns with the 2026 Electoral Act, which requires the commission to maintain and distribute accurate voter records to political stakeholders ahead of polls. She noted that the electronic document is intended to help parties organize their campaign efforts and better connect with potential voters.
During the session, the commissioner explicitly cautioned against the illicit use of the voter list for activities like vote-buying, voter intimidation, or other forms of misconduct. She argued that elections should center on competing ideas and developmental visions rather than financial inducement. Furthermore, she pledged that INEC is fully prepared operationally and logistically to ensure the poll is transparent and inclusive.
In her closing remarks, Babalola called on all stakeholders—including security personnel, media outlets, and civil society—to foster a peaceful environment. She urged participants to reject hate speech and misinformation, emphasizing that maintaining a credible electoral process is a shared responsibility that depends on the cooperation of every citizen.
