INEC announces August 1 mock accreditation for Osun governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will hold a mock voter accreditation exercise across selected polling units in Osun State on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of preparations for the governorship election scheduled for August 15.

The exercise is intended to test the commission’s readiness and assess the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the main poll.

The announcement was made through a public notice issued by the commission’s Osun State office. INEC explained that the exercise would follow the same accreditation process planned for election day but made it clear that no voting would take place during the exercise.

According to the commission, the mock accreditation will be conducted in selected polling units spread across the three senatorial districts in the state. In Osun Central, the exercise will cover polling units in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe local government areas.

For Osun East Senatorial District, accredited voters in selected polling units across Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun local government areas will take part in the exercise. In Osun West, the exercise will be held in chosen polling units located in Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo local government areas.

INEC called on registered voters whose polling units have been selected to participate in the exercise, adding that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accredited.

The commission said the exercise is meant to confirm that the BVAS devices are working properly under conditions similar to those expected on election day. It noted that the exercise is strictly for accreditation and will not involve the casting of votes.

INEC also thanked residents of Osun State for their continued support throughout the electoral process. It assured political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders that it remains committed to conducting a governorship election that is free, fair, transparent, credible and open to all eligible voters.