Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola said credible elections depend on intentional planning, strong coordination and the active commitment of every stakeholder involved in the process.
Babalola made the remarks on Thursday in Osogbo at an Independent National Electoral Commission workshop on election risk management, organised to improve readiness and cooperation among stakeholders ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
The programme examined possible threats to the electoral process and considered practical measures for managing challenges that could disrupt polling and related election activities.
She said INEC had continued to create forums through which relevant institutions and groups could build a shared understanding of their duties and reinforce working relationships before elections.
The sensitisation session was especially timely as INEC stepped up its preparations for the 2027 polls, Babalola said, adding that it allowed participants to exchange experiences and establish clearer expectations.
Effective management of election-related risks, she said, requires stakeholders to act early, remain responsive and carry out their individual responsibilities at every stage of the electoral cycle.
Babalola also called for potential problems to be identified in advance and addressed through joint response plans, stressing that communication and collaboration are central to sound electoral preparation.
She encouraged attendees to participate with an open mind and learn from one another, saying the sharing of perspectives would deepen their knowledge of election risks and available mitigation measures.
The commission said the workshop formed part of its wider effort to build institutional capacity and strengthen coordination among groups involved in election administration ahead of the next nationwide vote.
INEC in Osun said the programme was designed to encourage a unified approach to electoral management, particularly by detecting risks early and preparing suitable responses.
Participants included members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, known as ICCES; INEC’s Administrative Secretary; departmental heads; and electoral officers from the commission’s 30 local government offices across Osun State.
Representatives of civil society organisations and INEC personnel also attended the workshop, bringing together bodies responsible for different elements of electoral administration and election security.
