#OsunDecides2026: BVAS malfunction in more PUs in Osun - CJID

Voter accreditation systems malfunctioned in multiple polling units across Osun State during the governorship election, according to the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Situation Room. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices experienced issues in Ilesa West, Ife Central, and Egbedore Local Government Areas.

“

The device reportedly stopped working because its battery was low.

Reports detailed BVAS devices stopping due to low battery, with some voters offering power banks for support. In Ife Central, a voter could not cast their ballot because the BVAS failed to read their Permanent Voter’s Card and verify their face. Another incident in Ilesa West saw a BVAS device hanging, unable to shut down because the Presiding Officer had not exported the data, causing significant delays and voter frustration.

“

the BVAS failed to read his Permanent Voter’s Card and verify his face.

Similar problems were recorded earlier in the day in Ifedayo, Oriade, and Ilesa East local government areas. At one polling unit in Ifedayo, the BVAS was not working at all. In Oriade, the system captured voters slowly, and in Ilesa East, the BVAS struggled to capture the faces of elderly voters, leading to impatience and some voters leaving. These malfunctions occurred despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deploying 4,427 BVAS devices, including 664 backup units, to ensure operational readiness.

“

The BVAS was hanging and could not be shut down because the Presiding Officer had not exported or backed up the data.