Osun 2026: INEC Rules Out Manual Accreditation as Parties Sign Peace Accord

In a significant declaration that underscores the integrity of the upcoming electoral process, Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has emphatically announced that there will be no manual accreditation of voters during the Osun State governorship election. He reiterated that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be the exclusive statutory method used for voter accreditation, highlighting the commission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.

This vital announcement was made by Professor Amupitan on Thursday, during a formal ceremony held in Osogbo for the signing of the Osun State Governorship Election Peace Accord, an event that precedes the crucial upcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. The signing ceremony was organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) and drew the attendance of various stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other influential community figures, all uniting to promote a peaceful electoral atmosphere.

Professor Amupitan provided assurances to the citizens of Osun State, emphasizing that INEC is in the advanced stages of preparation for the upcoming election. He revealed that an impressive seven out of the nine milestones outlined in the election timetable have already been successfully completed. The INEC chairman specified that voting is set to take place at 30 local government areas within the state, including the Modakeke Area Office, across a total of 332 registration areas and 3,763 polling units.

In his speech, he announced that the certified register of voters will reflect 2,339,233 eligible voters, following a thorough Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) exercise. To facilitate the voting process, the period for collecting Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at local government offices has been extended until Friday, July 31, allowing more registered voters adequate time to collect their cards ahead of election day.

Amupitan also addressed the public’s concerns regarding recent security breaches, specifically incidents of stolen uncollected PVCs reported in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, and Ife Central. He reassured the electorate that the stolen PVCs could not be utilized for voting purposes, as the mandatory live biometric verification is required through the BVAS system before anyone can be accredited. He stated firmly, “Without live biometric verification on the BVAS, a stolen card cannot accredit anyone.”

In a proactive approach to address the security concerns, Professor Amupitan mentioned that the serial numbers of the stolen PVCs could potentially be blacklisted, while law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing individuals responsible for these thefts. Additionally, he noted that affected voters would have options for receiving replacement cards or authorized access to digital verification for PVC downloads, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the electoral process.

For the smooth conduct of the election, it was disclosed that INEC has customized 4,427 BVAS devices specifically for use in Osun State, which includes an operational reserve of 664 backup units, representing 15 percent of total capacity. Furthermore, he clarified that all polling unit result sheets, known as Form EC8A, would be scanned and directly uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) immediately upon the conclusion of voting, enhancing the transparency of results dissemination.

Expressing his apprehension regarding reports of political violence and insecurity in the run-up to the elections, Amupitan emphasized that INEC has transitioned from a reactive to a proactive security monitoring approach. This strategy is now spearheaded by intelligence-led security operations coordinated through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). He firmly stated, “We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force. Security agencies will be present to protect voters, election officials, and electoral materials throughout the electoral process.”

The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by John Cardinal Onaiyekan, also took the opportunity to urge all political parties involved to honor both the spirit and letter of the Peace Accord, emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining peace and stability throughout the electoral process. He reminded all present that while elections may come and go, the integrity of peace within the state must endure.

In a show of commitment to ensuring a secure election, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Akinyele Fasugba, representing the Inspector-General of Police, assured the residents that the Nigeria Police Force is fully equipped and ready to safeguard the election. He announced that additional police personnel had already begun arriving in Osun to provide security and vowed that the police would act with neutrality to facilitate a free, fair, credible, and transparent electoral process. He further clarified that private security groups, such as Amotekun Corps, would not be deployed for election security duties.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed serious concerns regarding the reported harassment and arrest of members from his party, alleging that over 60 of his party associates, including the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, have faced detention. He made a passionate appeal to the National Peace Committee to intervene with the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate the return of those detained in Abuja for judicial proceedings in Osun. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the state.

Moreover, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also addressed the gathering, calling on residents to reject any form of violence and to protect Osun State’s longstanding reputation for peace. He implored the electorate, stating, “Osun State is bigger than any individual. Do not let anybody buy your conscience. Vote for whom you believe in and return home peacefully. We do not want violence.”

The highlight of this significant event was marked by the formal signing of the Peace Accord by all participating political parties, underlining their collective commitment to a peaceful electoral process in Osun State as the 2026 governorship election approaches. The overarching message is clear: INEC is resolute in its stance on using BVAS as the sole method for voter accreditation, bolstered by a commitment to security and peace leading up to the elections.