Osun guber: INEC Declares Inclusivity a ‘Democratic Imperative‘
Politics
OSOGBO, Osun – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has elevated inclusivity from a mere policy goal to a core democratic requirement ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State Governorship Election, directing its Gender and Inclusivity (G&I) Desk to lead aggressive outreach to women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youths, the elderly, and other marginalised groups.
The declaration came from the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, during a high-level Joint Implementation Meeting of INEC’s Voter Education & Publicity (VEP) and Gender & Inclusivity (G&I) Departments on Monday, in Osogbo.
On inclusivity, she described it as ‘not merely a policy objective but a democratic imperative,’ mandating the G&I Desk to coordinate activities targeting women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), youths, elderly persons, and other marginalized groups.
Mrs. Babalola told Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) across the state that successful elections depend on meticulous planning, extensive voter engagement, and deliberate efforts to reach every eligible citizen. She stressed that voter apathy fueled by misinformation, distrust, and limited access to information remains a major threat, particularly in a stand-alone governorship poll.
“Every eligible voter must know: why voting matters, how to vote correctly, where to vote, and when to vote. Every woman, young person, elderly citizen, and person with disability must be made to feel that the electoral process belongs to them and that their voices matter,” she charged.
The REC instructed EOs and AEOs to identify communities with historically low voter turnout, build partnerships with traditional rulers and religious leaders, and conduct regular grassroots voter education at markets, motor parks, schools, and places of worship.
She also called for community ownership of these initiatives to counter misinformation in the digital age.
The joint meeting, which brought together VEP and G&I officials, CSOs, and partner agencies including the National Orientation Agency and NYSC, featured technical sessions on targeted strategies for women, PWDs, youths, and hard-to-reach groups. Deputy directors outlined accessible voter education materials, community dialogues, and mobilisation plans to be implemented across all 30 local government areas of Osun State.
INEC has described the August 15 poll as an off-cycle, stand-alone election and reiterated its commitment to delivering a process that is peaceful, credible, transparent, and marked by substantial participation from all segments of society.
The Commission’s renewed focus on inclusivity underscores a broader recognition that democratic legitimacy rests on the active involvement of every eligible Nigerian, especially those historically underrepresented at the ballot box.
