INEC Fixes August 1 For Mock Accreditation Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 1, 2026, for a statewide mock accreditation exercise ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The exercise, according to the commission, is aimed at assessing its operational preparedness and testing the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the governorship poll.

In a public announcement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Ariyo Rufus, on behalf of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, INEC explained that the exercise would replicate Election Day accreditation procedures without actual voting.

The commission stated that the mock accreditation would be conducted in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

In Osun Central Senatorial District, the exercise will hold in selected polling units in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe Local Government Areas.

For Osun East Senatorial District, designated polling units in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun Local Government Areas will participate in the exercise.

Similarly, selected polling units in Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo Local Government Areas have been chosen for the exercise in Osun West Senatorial District.
INEC urged all registered voters whose polling units have been selected to participate, noting that only holders of valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be accredited.

“The exercise is designed to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to those on Election Day. There shall be no voting during the exercise,” the commission stated.

It also reassured political parties, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in the state on August 15.