Civil society coalition asks electoral commission to disclose methodology behind hotspot classification, warns against actions that could undermine voter confidence.
With just weeks to the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publicly explain the methodology behind its classification of 385 electoral hotspots and about 200 polling units located in difficult terrain.
The coalition described the assessment as unprecedented in the state's electoral history, arguing that the announcement has generated widespread concern among voters, political parties and election stakeholders.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026 and signed by its Convener, Comrade Olowo Emmanuel Aiyedun, and made available to OneForAllMedia, the group questioned why the latest assessment differs significantly from previous governorship elections, including the fiercely contested 2018 and 2022 polls.
According to the coalition, INEC never publicly identified hundreds of electoral hotspots during those elections despite the intense political competition and security concerns that surrounded them.
The civil society groups stated that if Osun's security situation has deteriorated to the extent that 385 locations now require hotspot classification, the commission owes the public a clear explanation of the objective criteria, methodology and security indicators used in arriving at the assessment.
They also argued that if INEC has adopted a new framework for identifying electoral hotspots since the last governorship election, the commission should openly communicate the basis for the new approach in the interest of transparency and public confidence.
The coalition expressed concern that the announcement could create unnecessary anxiety among voters, discourage electoral participation and weaken public trust in the electoral process if left unexplained.
It further warned that the classification could raise suspicion among members of the public if adequate clarification is not provided.
The group also questioned INEC's reference to approximately 200 polling units being located in difficult terrain, noting that the affected polling units are not newly established and have hosted elections successfully over several electoral cycles.
According to the coalition, rather than highlighting logistical challenges, the commission should reassure citizens that it has adequate operational plans, transportation arrangements and security coordination to guarantee smooth voting in every polling unit across the state.
The group maintained that public confidence in elections is strengthened when electoral decisions are transparent, evidence-based and open to public scrutiny.
Among its demands, the coalition urged INEC to publish the indicators that informed the hotspot classification, assure voters that the assessment will not be used directly or indirectly for voter suppression or disenfranchisement, and engage political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, traditional institutions and election observers in a stakeholders' meeting to explain its findings.
The civil society groups also called on the electoral commission to reassure residents that comprehensive logistics, security and contingency plans have been put in place to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their constitutional right without intimidation or unnecessary obstacles.
As political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election, the coalition urged INEC to uphold the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism, transparency and accountability, stressing that every action and public communication by the commission should strengthen, rather than diminish, public confidence in the electoral process.
The group concluded that the people of Osun deserve a peaceful, credible, free, fair, inclusive and transparent election where every eligible voter can participate without fear or unnecessary apprehension.
