INEC OYO ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON PRIMARIES, CVR, 2027 ELECTION PREPARATIONS
…Prof. Tella Urges Early Registration, Issue-Based Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Polls…
By Abisola Ariwodola,
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Oyo State convened a Stakeholders Meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Prof. Rahman Adeniran Tella, to review recent political party primaries, assess the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise, and outline preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The meeting, held at the INEC Oyo State office had in attendance representatives of political parties, security agencies, CSOs including HFDI, traditional and religious institutions, persons with disabilities, market and youth groups, the media, and INEC management.
In his address, Prof. Tella welcomed stakeholders and described the engagement as key to strengthening collaboration and transparency.
He disclosed that 19 out of 22 registered political parties in Oyo successfully conducted primaries between May 16 and 30, 2026. While many parties demonstrated commitment to democratic procedures, the REC noted areas needing improvement in transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to party constitutions.
He urged political actors to resolve grievances through lawful, peaceful channels and emphasized post-primary reconciliation to prevent internal disputes from affecting the electoral process.
On the third and final phase of CVR, Prof. Tella urged eligible citizens yet to register to do so before the exercise closes. He also called for early requests for transfer, correction of voter details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
He stated that preliminary figures as at June 5, 2026 showed 221,298 citizens registered across Oyo State – 93,067 males and 128,231 females. Persons with disabilities accounted for 2,531 registrants, while youths aged 18-34 made up over 70% of registrations.
The REC called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious institutions, women and youth groups, and the media to intensify mobilization for wider participation.
Highlighting preparations for 2027, Prof. Tella listed ongoing activities including voter register display, logistics planning, personnel training, technology deployment, and security coordination.
He urged political parties to run issue-based campaigns, avoid hate speech, and refrain from actions that could overheat the polity. He also tasked the media on balanced coverage and called on security agencies, traditional and religious leaders to safeguard peace and public confidence.
The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to professionalism, inclusiveness, and strict compliance with the Constitution, Electoral Act, and guidelines, assuring stakeholders of open engagement throughout the electoral cycle.
Also speaking as a stakeholder, Col. Williams of ICCES reaffirmed security agencies’ commitment to professional, impartial support before, during and after elections.
The Oyo state Interparty Advisory Council IPAC Chairman, Mr. Akinade, commended INEC on CVR and primaries monitoring, expressing optimism about 2027 preparations.
NOA’s representative also stressed non-partisanship and ongoing voter education through grassroots and digital channels, urging avoidance of hate speech.
On behalf of the religious institutions’, Rev. Tope Owolabi of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN declared their support through advocacy, prayers and sensitization.
The CSO representative, Mr. Ojerinde, requested LGA-based CVR statistics for clearer tracking and urged strict adherence to the electoral timetable.
JONAPWD’ representative, Mr. Akiniran advocated greater inclusion of persons with disabilities as adhoc staff and accessible polling units, with assistive materials like Braille ballot guides, while the INEC officials responded that provisions for PWDs, including Braille materials, are consistently incorporated.
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