The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 381,817 new voters were registered during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Osun State.
The figure was revealed on Tuesday by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo.
Babalola attributed the success of the exercise to the collaboration of key stakeholders, especially the media, whose role she described as crucial. She praised journalists for their dedication to truth and democratic principles, noting that their consistent coverage has helped build public confidence in the electoral process. “The role of the media is commendable and indispensable to the success of democratic exercises,” she said.
The REC further called on media professionals to strengthen efforts against misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing that INEC regards the media as essential partners. She reiterated the commission’s commitment to delivering credible elections in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and its established guidelines.
She stated that INEC personnel are fully equipped and ready to apply their experience and expertise toward the successful conduct of the forthcoming governorship election. Babalola assured residents that the commission would deliver a free, fair, inclusive, and transparent poll scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Addressing the issue of vote trading, she clarified that INEC does not participate in such practices, describing them as criminal acts. “INEC does not sell or buy votes. The sellers and buyers are not INEC. Political parties and stakeholders must ensure voters act according to their conscience,” she said.
She warned that vote buying erodes accountability, stressing that voters who engage in the practice lose the moral standing to hold elected officials responsible. The REC added that the commission is collaborating with agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to tackle the problem, noting that penalties are in place for offenders.
During a separate visit to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, Babalola commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and support in securing electoral activities, describing the force as a dependable partner. She called for continued cooperation to ensure a peaceful election, stating, “We are ready to work with you. We have been working and will still work with you and together, we will deliver a credible election.”
In response, Gotan assured the commission of comprehensive security before, during, and after the election. “Your assignment is very crucial to national development. It is also our duty to protect you. By the grace of God, we will provide maximum security for the election,” he said.
