HFDI JOINS INEC, STAKEHOLDERS TO MAP ELECTORAL RISKS AHEAD OF OSUN 2026 GOVERNORSHIP POLL
…CSO Contributes Grassroots Insights on Misinformation, Inclusion at ERM Workshop…
By Abisola Ariwodola,
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, has joined other stakeholders in mapping potential threats to the credibility of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
HFDI participated in the Electoral Risk Management, ERM, Sensitization Workshop organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner Prof Kunle Ajayi and the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Halatria Hotel & Towers, Osogbo.
The workshop brought together CSOs, security agencies, government institutions, media practitioners, election observers, and other key electoral actors. The goal was to strengthen understanding of electoral risk management and collaboratively identify risks that could affect the credibility, inclusiveness, and peaceful conduct of the poll.
Sessions covered the Electoral Risk Management Tool, identification of risk factors and indicators, risk assessment processes, electoral risk mapping, and the INEC Security and Alert Notification System, SANS.
Participants were also guided on practical approaches for monitoring, reporting, and mitigating risks before, during, and after the election.
A major highlight was the breakout session where stakeholders were grouped by senatorial district to identify district-specific risks and propose preventive measures, and HFDI gave Input for Osun Central District.
The discussions leveraged on community-level experiences, and the organization contributed insights on factors that could threaten the election, including voter apathy, misinformation, political tension, voter inducement, security concerns, and barriers to inclusive participation.
Practical recommendations on voter education, stakeholder engagement, community sensitization, and early warning mechanisms as strategies to prevent electoral conflict and build public confidence were made at the programme.
Recommendations from all three senatorial districts were later harmonized to develop a comprehensive electoral risk framework for Osun State.
HFDI said its contributions reflect its commitment to advancing democratic governance, civic engagement, voter education, social inclusion, and peaceful electoral processes across Osun State and beyond.
“As preparations intensify towards the August 15 Governorship Election, HFDI remains committed to working with INEC, civil society actors, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote informed participation and strengthen electoral integrity for sustainable democratic development,” the organization stated.
INEC officials commended stakeholders for the collaborative approach, stressing that early risk identification and mitigation are critical to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive election.
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