The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has called on members of the media in the state to strengthen their collaboration with the commission in order to ensure the success of the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the 2026 Governorship Election.

Dr. Agboke made the call during an interactive session with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Chapel’s Secretariat in Osogbo.

Expressing appreciation for the cordial relationship between the media and the commission, he noted that their accurate and responsible reportage had significantly contributed to peaceful and credible electoral processes in the state.

“This is my second formal interaction with you since my arrival in Osun, and I must commend the media for ensuring correct dissemination of our activities. Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, we have not recorded any case of misinformation from Osun media,” Agboke said.

The REC highlighted the importance of the commencement of the CVR and preparations for the 2026 governorship poll.

According to him, the online phase of the CVR will begin on August 18, 2025, while physical registration will commence on August 25 across the 30 local government offices and the area office in Modakeke.

Agboke emphasized that registration is free and warned that no INEC staff is permitted to request money from registrants.

The physical registration, according to him, will take place from 9am to 3pm daily.

The notice of election for the 2026 Governorship Election, he said, will be issued on August 13, 2025, and pasted at all INEC offices in the state.

He urged journalists to familiarize themselves with the official timetable of electoral events to ensure proper coverage and public awareness.

Speaking on voter data, Dr. Agboke revealed that Osun State has 1,954,800 registered voters, with 360,794 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) yet to be collected.

He appealed to the media to help mobilize eligible voters, especially new registrants and those needing transfers, replacements, or reissues of defaced or lost PVCs.

He also charged journalists to take an active role in combating electoral malpractice by vocally opposing vote buying, violence, and other forms of misconduct.

“As members of the Fourth Estate, you must be torchbearers of truth and professionalism. If in doubt, seek clarification at our Osogbo office. Do not be conveyors of fake or unverified news,” he warned.

The session concluded with Dr. Agboke reaffirming INEC's commitment to credible and peaceful elections and his hope that continued collaboration with the media would further strengthen democracy in Osun State.