The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, has said the successful conduct of elections required deliberate preparation, effective coordination and the commitment of all stakeholders.
Babalola made this known during the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, workshop on election risk management to strengthen electoral preparedness and stakeholder collaboration on Thursday in Osogbo.
The workshop focused on identifying potential electoral risks and developing effective strategies to address challenges that could affect the electoral process.
Babalola explained that “INEC has continued to provide platforms for stakeholders to develop a common understanding of their responsibilities and strengthen institutional relationships in preparation for elections.”
She said the sensitisation workshop was particularly important as the commission intensified preparations for the 2027 general election, providing an opportunity for participants to share experiences and clarify expectations.
According to the REC, “effective election risk management requires stakeholders to remain proactive and responsive while fulfilling their respective responsibilities throughout the electoral process.”
She also stressed the need to anticipate potential challenges and develop coordinated strategies to address them, noting that effective communication and cooperation were essential to electoral planning.
Babalola urged participants to approach the workshop sessions with open minds and a willingness to learn from one another, adding that the exchange of ideas would improve their understanding of electoral risks and mitigation strategies.
The commission said the engagement was part of its efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve collaboration among electoral stakeholders ahead of the next general election.
Osun INEC added that the initiative was intended to promote a coordinated approach to managing electoral activities, particularly through early identification of risks and the development of appropriate responses.
Those in attendance included members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, INEC’s Administrative Secretary, heads of departments and electoral officers from the commission’s 30 local government offices in Osun State.
Representatives of civil society organisations and members of INEC staff also participated in the workshop, which brought together stakeholders involved in different aspects of electoral administration and security.