…Seeks Journalists’ Support
The new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has said the commission will give a level playing ground to all political party during the August 15th governorship election in the state.
Babalola, who was on a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Tuesday, assured residents that INEC would uphold the highest level of integrity and transparency to ensure that the right things are done before, during, and after the election.
She said that the INEC remains firmly committed to conducting peaceful, credible and integrity driven election in the state.
Babalola sought journalists support to combat the growing manners of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, which pose serious threat to electoral integrity and public confidence.
According to her, “the Commission wishes to assure you and the good people of Osun state that INEC remains firmly committed to conducting peaceful, credible and integrity driven election.
“This commitment is anchored on strict compliance and adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as INEC guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election.
“All necessary preparations are on going and we remain resolute in our determination to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people in the state.
“INEC Osun state under my watch pleged free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent. 2026 Osun state Governorship election.”
To the journalists, she said, “We look forward to strengthening the existing cordial relationship between INEC and NUJ together, we shall build a more informed electorate, promote transparency and ensure the success of the democratic process in Osun.”
Speaking on the registration exercise, “While we are preparing for the election, I am glad to inform you that the continuous voter registration exercise with devolution to registration areas was completed on 18th of April 2026, the display of primary register of voters has commenced on Monday 27th and it will be until 3rd of May 2026, in all registration areas during this period, citizens can exercise their rights for claims and objections to correct their information in the register had come to object to the motion of names on the register.
“At the close of this devolution, the Commission recorded the following fresh registration.
“The first, second and devolution, 381,817, fresh registration, out of which we have 1391 persons living with disability. We had people that transferred their registration from one place to the other and for people that had one update or the other.
“What I mean by update is correcting name, location changed, I’ve lost my card.
“My name has changed. All those updates, we have 7272. Also lost by damage card we have 42,255 and people. And people also ask for reviews, which is 14,362
“For PVC collection. Just 1865 turned up for PVC collection. So in total, we have retreated 499,809 applications. This was achieved with your confession and support in the media space through securitization and voter education,” said.
