The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock accreditation exercise on August 1, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The exercise is aimed at testing the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and ensuring that the accreditation process runs smoothly on election day.
In a public notice signed by Ariyo Rufus, Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the commission said the exercise would help assess its operational readiness ahead of the poll.
INEC explained that the mock exercise would replicate the voter accreditation process used on election day but clarified that no voting would take place.
“This exercise is designed to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to Election Day. There shall be no voting during the exercise,” the commission stated.
According to INEC, the exercise will be conducted in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of Osun State.
In Osun Central Senatorial District, selected polling units are located in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe Local Government Areas.
For Osun East Senatorial District, the exercise will hold in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun Local Government Areas.
Meanwhile, Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo Local Government Areas have been selected for the exercise in Osun West Senatorial District.
INEC urged all registered voters whose polling units were chosen for the exercise to participate, noting that only holders of valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be accredited.
The electoral body also reassured political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders of its commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in Osun State.
The mock accreditation exercise is expected to help identify and address any technical or operational issues before voters head to the polls on August 15, 2026.
