Blessing Bello, Reporting
IN a decisive move to fortify public confidence ahead of the state’s governorship election, a coalition of civil society organisations will convene a Citizens’ Town Hall this Sunday, 26 July.
With just 21 days remaining until the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for 15 August 2026, the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity is ramping up efforts to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
The Town Hall, scheduled to run from 4pm to 7pm at the Adolak Event Hall in Osogbo, is designed as a non-partisan platform to foster direct dialogue between citizens and key electoral institutions. The initiative is spearheaded by a coalition comprising the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa.
Key Stakeholders to Address Preparedness and Security
The forum will feature high-level discussions led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Olutoyin Babalola, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan. They are expected to address critical issues surrounding election preparedness and security, a topic that has been at the forefront of stakeholder concerns in recent weeks.
In a significant show of inclusivity, representatives of women, persons with disabilities, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations will also participate, delivering goodwill messages and ensuring that the dialogue reflects the diverse voices of the state.
Broadcast and Public Engagement
The organisers have emphasised transparency by arranging for the event to be broadcast live on major networks including ARISE Television, NTA, AIT, and the Osun State Broadcasting Service. It will also be streamed on YouTube and covered extensively by radio and digital media platforms.
A Commitment to Accountability
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Executive Director of CEMESO, underscored the importance of the initiative, stating that “electoral integrity depends on informed citizen participation, institutional transparency and sustained multi-stakeholder engagement.” He noted that the Town Hall provides a structured avenue to strengthen public trust.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Co-Chair of the Committee and Executive Director of the IPC, remarked that “the quality of an election is determined not only by institutional preparedness but also by the extent to which citizens are able to engage the process in an informed and meaningful manner.” He highlighted the event as a crucial “accountability interface”.
Building on a National Framework
This Osun edition is part of a broader series of citizen-focused initiatives by the Network across Nigeria. It follows a national dialogue on the Electoral Act 2026 held in Abuja in March and a similar engagement in Ekiti State ahead of its June governorship poll.
The Network reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections through citizen engagement and policy advocacy.
