Make public the methodology for identifying electoral hotspots in Osun, CSOs tell REC

Make public the methodology for identifying electoral hotspots in Osun, CSOs tell REC

The Network of Civil cSociety Groups in Osun State has expressed concerns over a recent statement credited to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) indicating that Osun state has 385 electoral hotspots and approximately 200 polling units in difficult terrain across the state by ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, describing the classification as unprecedented and requires the electoral umpire to provide clear explanations to the public.

In a letter dated July 06, 2026 and signed by its convener, Comrade Olowo Emmanuel Aiyedun, the civil groups noted that the history of election in Osun state is in sharp contrast to previous electoral assessment by the INEC, calling on the commission to make public explanations on the basis for the classification in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

“Our concern is informed by the electoral history of Osun State. During the highly competitive 2018 governorship election, which proceeded to a supplementary election because of the narrow margin between the leading candidates, INEC did not publicly classify hundreds of polling areas as electoral hotspots,” he noted in the letter addressed to the Osun REC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.

“Similarly, before the 2022 governorship election, despite intense political competition and heightened public interest, there was no public declaration by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of anything remotely comparable to 385 electoral hotspots or approximately 200 difficult terrain polling units.

“The announcement made ahead of the 2026 governorship election therefore represents a significant departure from previous electoral assessments and understandably raises questions among citizens, political parties, election observers, and other stakeholders.

“If the security situation in Osun State has deteriorated to the extent that 385 locations now require hotspot classification, the people of Osun deserve to know the objective criteria, methodology, and security indicators upon which this assessment was made. Equally, if INEC has adopted a new methodology for identifying electoral hotspots since the 2022 governorship election, the Commission should publicly explain the basis for this new approach in the interest of transparency and public confidence.”

The civil groups warned that failure to provide necessary clarification will not only create unnecessary fear among voters but discourage participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process, stressing that the assessment “raises reasonable suspicion that the classification was done to satisfy some political agenda.”

“We are equally concerned by the reference to approximately 200 polling units being located in difficult terrains.
These polling units are not newly created. Elections have been conducted successfully in these communities over several election cycles. It is therefore reasonable to expect that INEC has developed effective operational procedures, logistical capacity, and contingency plans to ensure the timely deployment of election personnel and sensitive materials to every polling unit, irrespective of geographical challenges.

“Rather than emphasising logistical difficulties, the electorate expects reassurance that the Commission is fully prepared to overcome such challenges and guarantee every eligible voter an equal opportunity to exercise his or her constitutional right to vote.

“As the body constitutionally entrusted with the conduct of elections, INEC has a duty not only to be impartial but also to maintain public confidence through openness, professionalism, and accountability. Public confidence is strengthened when electoral decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and capable of objective verification.”

It called on the INEC to go beyond just throwing numbers and avail the public with details on the relevant indicators that informed its current assessment, emphasising the need for a thorough review and assurances that the classification will not be used directly or indirectly to suppress voters or disenfranchised eligible voters.

“Provide assurances that the classification will not be used, directly or indirectly, as a basis for voter suppression, the relocation or reduction of polling activities, or the disenfranchisement of eligible voters,” the civil group charged INEC.

“Reassure the people of Osun that adequate logistics, security coordination, transportation arrangements, and contingency plans have been put in place to guarantee the smooth conduct of elections in every polling unit, including those situated in difficult terrains.

“Convene an engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, traditional institutions, election observers, and other relevant stakeholders to explain the Commission’s assessment and strengthen public confidence ahead of the election.

“As the 15 August 2026 Osun State Governorship Election approaches, we urge you to continue to discharge your constitutional responsibilities with the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

“Every action and public communication by the Commission should strengthen not diminish public trust in the electoral process.

“The people of Osun deserve a peaceful, credible, free, fair, inclusive, and transparent election in which every eligible voter can participate without fear or unnecessary apprehension.”