• Commissions media studios, BVAS storage facility
• Parties, candidates to sign peace accord today
By Lateef Ibrahim
As part of preparation for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection to July 31, while reassuring the public of its commitment to a transparent, credible, and peaceful exercise.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) during a series of stakeholder engagements and a working visit to the commission’s state headquarters in Osogbo.
During his visit, Prof. Amupitan commissioned two major operational facilities – a newly built Osun Decides Media Studio and a specialized Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) storage facility, describing both projects as vital upgrades to the commission’s operational capacity.
To ensure maxiumum voter participation and seamless logistics, INEC outlined several critical measures ahead of the poll.
Following a review of voter turnout where only 62% (322,822) of newly registered voters had collected their cards the collection deadline was extended to Friday, July 31.
It added that adequate security will be deployed to all collection centers.
According to the commission, accreditation will strictly rely on biometric verification using the BVAS. A total of 4,427 BVAS units (including 664 backups) have been configured, adding that results will be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal from polling units.
INEC disclosed that a trial run will take place on Saturday, August 1, across 12 selected local government areas spanning Osun’s three senatorial districts to test BVAS functionality.
It further revealed that to guarantee early voting across 3,763 polling units in 332 wards, materials have been decentralized through 97 Super Registration Area Centres (RACs) and 105 standard RACs.
Addressing recent break-ins at INEC offices in Okuku (Odo-Otin LGA) and Ife Central, Amupitan reassured voters that stolen PVCs cannot be used due to biometric requirements.
He added that affected cards are being reprinted, with options for downloadable PVCs being evaluated.
The commission emphasized zero tolerance for political violence, identifying key high-risk local government areas —including Osogbo, Ede North, Ede South, Ife Central, and Ila—for enhanced security deployment via the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“The ballot box, not the bullet, will decide the future of Osun State,” Prof. Amupitan declared, reiterating that INEC holds no preference for any political party or candidate.
He noted that to combat vote-buying, undercover agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICCP) will monitor polling environments.
Meanwhile, as part of staff welfare initiatives to boost morale, Prof. Amupitan announced cash rewards and foreign travel incentives for election personnel who distinguish themselves during the Osun exercise.
Political parties and candidates are expected to sign a formal Peace Accord on Thursday, July 30, ahead of the official election day.
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