By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct a mock accreditation exercise in selected polling units across Osun State as part of efforts to assess its preparedness for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The exercise is scheduled for Saturday, 1 August, 2026, and will take place in designated polling units across 12 local government areas spread among the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to the commission, the exercise is intended to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to those expected on Election Day.
In a statement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Ariyo Rufus, INEC listed the participating local government areas as Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe in Osun Central; Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo in Osun West; and Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun in Osun East.
The commission explained that the mock exercise would enable it to evaluate the readiness of its accreditation technology and identify possible challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the governorship poll.
INEC stressed that the exercise would be strictly for accreditation testing, adding that no voting would take place during the exercise.
The commission, therefore, urged registered voters in the selected polling units to participate in the exercise by presenting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that their participation would assist in testing the accreditation process under conditions that closely mirror the actual election.
The exercise forms part of INEC’s preparations for the August 15 governorship election, as the commission seeks to ensure that the BVAS and other electoral arrangements function efficiently before voters return to the polls.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in Osun State, while encouraging eligible voters to participate in the mock accreditation exercise in the designated polling units.
