The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a mock accreditation exercise scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of its preparations for the Osun State governorship election set for August 15, 2026. The exercise, which will be conducted across selected polling units in all three senatorial districts of Osun State, aims to test the operational readiness of electoral officials and the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). No actual voting will take place during the mock exercise, which is designed to simulate real Election Day procedures to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
The announcement was made in a public statement signed by Ariyo Rufus, Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, on behalf of Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner. The commission emphasized that the mock accreditation is a critical step in ensuring that all systems and personnel are fully prepared for the upcoming governorship election. It will help identify any gaps or challenges in the accreditation process before the actual election day.
The exercise will cover polling units in Osun Central Senatorial District, including Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun, and Boripe Local Government Areas. In Osun East Senatorial District, selected polling units in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade, and Obokun will participate. For Osun West Senatorial District, the mock accreditation will take place in Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South, and Ejigbo Local Government Areas. These locations were chosen to represent diverse geographic and demographic zones within the state.
INEC urged all registered voters whose polling units are selected to actively participate in the exercise. Only individuals with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accredited during the mock exercise, reinforcing the importance of voter card possession. The commission stressed that the BVAS will be tested under conditions closely resembling Election Day to ensure its reliability and accuracy.
INEC also expressed gratitude to Osun State residents for their ongoing cooperation and support throughout the electoral process. The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive governorship election. Political parties, the media, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders were assured of INEC’s dedication to upholding electoral integrity.
This mock accreditation exercise is a vital component of INEC’s broader strategy to ensure a well-organized and efficient election. It reflects the commission’s proactive approach to addressing potential challenges before they arise. As the election date draws nearer, the success of this exercise will serve as a key indicator of the commission’s preparedness for the August 15 governorship poll.
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