Osun 2026: We’ll be waiting for voters at polling units – REC

— INEC to deploy 4,427 BVAS devices for governorship election

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, has assured voters that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will arrive at polling units ahead of voters during the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at a media briefing in Osogbo on the commission’s level of preparedness, Babalola said INEC’s priority was to improve the timeliness of the deployment of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and Presiding Officers (POs).

She also disclosed that the commission would deploy a total of 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices for the election to ensure seamless voter accreditation and result management.

According to her, INEC has set a high operational standard following its performance in the recent Ekiti State election and intends to maintain it in Osun.

“We have set a standard that we can no longer afford to fall below. In Ekiti State, our Supervisory Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers were at the polling units before the voters.

“In Osun, I am assuring voters that we will be waiting for them across all polling units. Voters will not wait for us,” she said.

Babalola explained that the commission had engaged transport unions to ensure the timely movement of election personnel and materials.

She added that workshops had also been organised for transport operators to facilitate a smooth electoral process.

“To achieve this, we have met with transport unions on the need for proper arrangements and also held workshops with their members on the importance of ensuring a successful election.

“In addition, our Registration Area Centres (RACs) will open early to enable Supervisory Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers familiarise themselves with the environment before deployment,” she said.

The REC said INEC would deploy 3,763 BVAS devices for use during the election, with an additional 664 units reserved as backup, bringing the total to 4,427 devices.

She explained that the BVAS machines would not only be used for voter accreditation and authentication but also for the electronic transmission of polling unit results.

“For the August 15 poll, a total of 3,763 BVAS devices will be deployed for the election, while an additional 664 devices have been set aside as backups.

“In addition to voter accreditation, the BVAS will be used to upload polling unit results directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency and enable the public to access polling unit results.

“All the BVAS devices have already been charged and are awaiting configuration, which will be carried out closer to the election,” she added.