INEC assures Osun election will proceed despite PVC collection center attack

Suspected hoodlums attacked an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) permanent voter card (PVC) collection center in Osun on Sunday, stealing electoral materials including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and PVCs. The attack occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku.

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The Osun incident has been reported to the police. As we speak, it is already public knowledge that the police have started an investigation.

INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, confirmed the incident has been reported to the police, who have begun an investigation. He expressed confidence that the police will apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen assets, including the BVAS devices.

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As a commission, we trust that the police will be diligent in their investigation, track those suspects, get them arrested and ensure they face the wrath of the law.

Despite the attack, Oketola assured that INEC's operational preparations for the Osun governorship election remain on track. He stated that the commission cannot be distracted and will conduct a free, fair, and credible election as planned. He noted that 4,427 BVAS devices have been configured, with 664 backups available, ensuring that the incident will not disrupt election plans. Oketola also dismissed the idea of PVC theft being effective due to the biometric verification required by BVAS technology.

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It is a matter already under investigation, I cannot actually comment too much on it. But I know that that cannot distract INEC from carrying out the activities preceding the Osun governorship election.