The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will hold a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of preparations for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
In a statement signed by Ariyo Rufus, Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, on behalf of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, the commission said the exercise is designed to assess its operational readiness and evaluate the effectiveness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the poll.
INEC explained that the exercise will replicate the voter accreditation process that will take place on Election Day but emphasized that no voting will be conducted.
According to the commission, the mock accreditation will be carried out in selected polling units across the state’s three senatorial districts.
In Osun Central Senatorial District, the exercise will take place in polling units located in Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun and Boripe local government areas.
For Osun East Senatorial District, selected polling units in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Oriade and Obokun local government areas will participate.
Meanwhile, Egbedore, Ede North, Ede South and Ejigbo local government areas have been chosen for the exercise in Osun West Senatorial District.
INEC encouraged all registered voters assigned to the selected polling units to participate, noting that only holders of valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accredited.
The commission reiterated that the exercise is strictly intended to test the functionality and efficiency of the BVAS under conditions similar to those expected on Election Day, with no voting involved.
INEC also expressed appreciation to residents of Osun State for their continued support and cooperation, while reaffirming its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election on August 15, 2026.
