INEC provides additional 664 BVAS as backup for Osun election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 3,763 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices will be deployed across all 3,763 polling units, with an additional 664 devices provided as backups for voter accreditation to ensure that only registered voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) vote on election day.

Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed that the BVAS devices will also be used to upload polling unit results directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency and enable the public to access polling unit election results.

She assured stakeholders that all the BVAS devices had already been charged and were awaiting configuration, which would be carried out closer to the election.

Noting that the commission had conducted strategic and inclusive sensitisation activities for marginalised groups, including women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as well as faith-based organisations, religious groups and community-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the local government areas of the state, Babalola said grassroots sensitisation programmes had also been carried out to enhance participation, build confidence among voters and promote effective electoral participation.

She added that sensitisation activities targeted at PWDs had also been conducted to foster an inclusive electoral environment.

“In addition, the Commission is providing magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides and priority voting access for persons with disabilities, the elderly and nursing mothers,” Babalola added.

On security, Babalola noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, had assured stakeholders that the command had put in place comprehensive security arrangements to prevent all forms of violence and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the election.

“The DIG in charge of ICT/supervising the South West Zone held another Strategic Stakeholders’ Security Meeting on 26th June, 2026. Far-reaching resolutions on security were made to ensure peace and safety in Osun State,” she said.

The INEC REC disclosed that Osun State had 1,954,800 registered voters before the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and assured residents that voters would be informed when it was time to collect their PVCs.

She said more than 80 per cent of the non-sensitive materials had been received, while engagements had been held with transport unions to ensure that election materials and personnel arrive at polling units before the commencement of voting.