Osun 2026: INEC configures 4,427 BVAS, dismisses stolen PVC fears

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finalized preparations for the Osun State governorship election, scheduled for August 15, by configuring 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices. An additional 664 units are on standby as backups to ensure smooth operations on election day.

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Nobody can use another person’s PVC to vote in an election in Nigeria again. The era of ghost voters is gone. With BVAS, you must tender your PVC and undergo biometric authentication.

INEC has also established 97 Super Registration Area Centres and 105 Registration Area Centres across all local government areas, which will be activated the night before the election. This extensive setup aims to facilitate the accreditation process for voters.

Despite a recent incident where suspected hoodlums attacked an INEC Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection center in Okuku, stealing electoral materials including BVAS devices and PVCs, INEC remains confident in its ability to conduct a free and fair election. Mr. Dayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stated that the stolen PVCs cannot be used due to the BVAS technology's mandatory biometric authentication.

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Whatever was carted away will be replaced. Out of the 4,427 BVAS, we have 664 prepared as backups. There is no way whatever happened can disrupt our plans for the election.

Oketola assured that the stolen materials would be replaced and that the backup devices would cover any disruptions. He confirmed that the incident has been reported to the police, who have launched an investigation. INEC trusts the police to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen assets, emphasizing that the attack will not derail their electoral plans.

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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.