Osun 2026: INEC Schedules Mock Accreditation Exercise for August 1

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on August 1 as part of preparations for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The exercise is intended to assess the commission’s operational readiness and evaluate the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before election day.

The announcement was contained in a public notice signed by Ariyo Rufus, Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, on behalf of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.

INEC explained that the exercise would replicate the voter accreditation process that will be used during the governorship election but made it clear that no voting would take place.

According to the commission, the mock accreditation will be carried out in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

In Osun Central Senatorial District, the exercise will take place in polling units located in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe Local Government Areas.

For Osun East Senatorial District, selected polling units in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun Local Government Areas will participate in the exercise.

In Osun West Senatorial District, the commission selected polling units in Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo Local Government Areas for the exercise.

INEC called on registered voters whose polling units have been chosen to participate, noting that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accredited during the exercise.

The commission said the exercise is designed to test the efficiency and reliability of the BVAS under conditions similar to those expected on election day, adding that it is strictly an accreditation exercise and will not involve voting.

INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in Osun State. It assured political parties, civil society organisations, election observers, the media and other stakeholders that all necessary preparations are being made to ensure a smooth electoral process on August 15.