REC Babalola says logistics, BVAS, security, voter education, ad hoc staff recruitment and stakeholder engagement in top gear
By OrionTimes Newsroom
July 1, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed confidence in its level of preparedness for the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, assuring residents that extensive measures have been put in place to deliver a free, fair, credible, inclusive and peaceful poll.
The assurance was given on Wednesday by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a press briefing held in Osogbo.
Addressing journalists, the REC said the Commission had made significant progress across critical areas of election planning, including voter registration, logistics, security, recruitment and training of personnel, voter education, stakeholder engagement and deployment of election technology.
Mrs. Babalola commended media organisations in Osun State for their professionalism and commitment to voter education and the dissemination of accurate electoral information.
She noted that the media's balanced reportage has continued to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process while encouraging informed participation by citizens.
Seven Electoral Activities Already Completed
According to the REC, seven of the thirteen activities contained in INEC's official timetable have been successfully implemented, while political parties have continued with campaigns ahead of the election.
She disclosed that the remaining activities include the publication of the official register of voters on July 22, publication of the Notice of Poll on July 24, conclusion of political campaigns on August 13 and the conduct of the governorship election on August 15.
Nearly 500,000 Electoral Transactions Recorded During CVR
Mrs. Babalola revealed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted in two phases between August 2025 and May 2026 recorded 499,809 electoral transactions.
The exercise covered fresh registrations, transfers, voter information updates, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voter record reviews and PVC collections.
She added that members of the public would be informed as soon as the new Permanent Voter Cards become available for collection.
Ad Hoc Staff Recruitment Underway
On election personnel, the REC disclosed that recruitment of ad hoc staff commenced on June 27 and will close on July 18 through the INECPRES portal.
She explained that successful applicants would be selected strictly on competence, neutrality, integrity and professionalism.
The Commission has also commenced extensive training programmes for electoral officers, NYSC members, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, security personnel and collation officers to ensure efficient conduct of the election.
BVAS Ready for All Polling Units
INEC announced that 3,763 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices would be deployed across all polling units in Osun State, with an additional 664 backup machines reserved to address any technical challenges.
The REC stated that all BVAS devices had already been charged and would undergo final configuration close to election day.
She added that trained technical support personnel would be stationed across Registration Areas to provide immediate assistance where necessary.
Beyond voter accreditation, the BVAS devices will also upload polling unit results directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), enhancing transparency and public access to election results.
Logistics, Security Plans Finalised
Mrs. Babalola disclosed that about 80 percent of non-sensitive election materials had already been received, distributed to local government areas and batched for polling units.
Sensitive materials, including ballot papers, result sheets and declaration forms, will be deployed during the election week under strict security arrangements.
She also said INEC had intensified collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to guarantee peaceful conduct of the election.
According to her, strategic meetings involving the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have produced comprehensive security arrangements aimed at preventing violence before, during and after the governorship election.
Stakeholder Engagement Intensified
The Commission has equally expanded its engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, transport unions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women, youths and persons with disabilities.
Mrs. Babalola said these engagements are designed to strengthen public confidence, promote peaceful participation and ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.
She added that voter education campaigns are ongoing through radio, television, social media, market outreaches, town hall meetings and community sensitisation programmes across the state.
Media Accreditation Closes August 2
INEC also reminded media organisations that accreditation for coverage of the Osun Governorship Election opened on June 2 and will close on August 2, 2026.
The Commission urged all credible media organisations yet to complete the accreditation process to do so before the deadline.
Call for Collective Responsibility
While reaffirming INEC's commitment to transparency, professionalism, neutrality and inclusiveness, Mrs. Babalola stressed that the success of the election would depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
She called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate to work together in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
"Our doors remain open to advice and constructive recommendations," she said.
"The success of any electoral activity extends beyond the Commission alone. Together, we shall deliver a free, fair, credible, inclusive, transparent and peaceful election in Osun State."
0 Comments
Join the conversation!
Have insights, corrections, or questions about this news story? Drop your comment below. We value civil, fact-based discussion.