Osun 2026: INEC Chairman Monitors Mock Accreditation, Assures Voters of Seamless Polls Ahead of August 15 Election

OSOGBO, NIGERIA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its total readiness to deliver a free, fair, and transparent off-cycle governorship election in Osun State.

This assurance follows the successful conclusion of the statewide mock voter accreditation exercise.

Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo after monitoring the field operations, the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, stated that the simulation has heavily fortified the Commission’s technological infrastructure ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

Professor Amupitan was accompanied during the monitoring tour by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola. Together, they inspected designated polling units across strategic local government areas, including Osogbo, Obokun, and Egbedore.

Mass Turnout as BVAS Faces Quality Control Test

The mock accreditation exercise took place simultaneously across selected polling units in nine local government areas spanning the state’s three senatorial districts.

Large crowds of enthusiastic residents turned out early at the polling stations to participate in the simulation exercise. They praised the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), noting that the technology will safeguard the sanctity of their votes.

According to the INEC Chairman, the primary objective of Saturday’s simulation was to test-run the functionality, speed, and overall efficiency of the BVAS devices under simulated Election Day conditions.

Rejection of Old PVCs Resolved Swiftly

Addressing early technical hitches recorded during the exercise, Professor Amupitan admitted that the BVAS devices initially rejected some older Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). However, he emphasized that the Commission’s technical and ICT teams intervened immediately to fully resolve the glitch.

INEC Finalizes Logistics Protocols

With the final voter register now standing at 2,339,233 eligible voters, the commission is leaving no stone unturned. Beyond technology, INEC has finalized its logistical deployments, confirmed the distribution of over 80% of non-sensitive materials to local government hubs, and completed structural engagements with transport unions and traditional rulers.

As political parties wrap up their campaigns, INEC Nigeria continues to urge stakeholders, security agencies, and media practitioners to maintain absolute neutrality to guarantee a peaceful transition of power in Osun State.