- launches voter registration drive
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started preparations for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, with a firm commitment to credible, inclusive, and peaceful polls.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, announced this at an expanded stakeholders’ engagement held at the INEC State Office in Osogbo.
The meeting brought together key players in the state’s electoral process including political parties, security agencies, media, civil society organizations, religious bodies, and representatives of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Also, Agboke announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence nationwide on August 18, 2025, beginning with online registration through the portal www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.
This will be followed by biometric capturing from August 25 at INEC local government offices across the state. Walk-in physical registration will also be available for those unable to access the online platform.
He emphasized that completion of the biometric process is essential for a valid registration, warning that “anyone who completes the online forms without biometrics has not completed the process of registration.”
Those expected to participate in the registration includes, Adults who have never registered before, Citizens who just turned 18, Voters seeking PVC replacement due to loss or damage and Voters requesting transfer of registration
Agboke dusclosed that Statisticsat his disposal reveal large Number of Uncollected PVCs
“Providing the latest electoral data, Dr. Agboke disclosed that Osun currently has 1,954,800 registered voters, with 1,594,006 PVCs collected, leaving 360,794 uncollected.
He urged residents to take PVC collection seriously, reiterating the commission’s policy: “No PVC, no voting.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner confirmed that the official Notice of Election for the 2026 Governorship poll has been posted in all 30 local government offices and the Area Office in Modakeke.
He reiterated that all activities leading to the election have now commenced adding that Party primaries and dispute resolutions will take place between November 24 and December 15, 2025.
He stated that submission of candidates’ particulars (Forms EC9 and EC9B) will occur between January 15 and February 9, 2026.
He revealed that INEC that INEC is commitment to inclusivity, highlighting special provisions for persons with disabilities. These include:Braille ballot guides magnifying glasses for low vision voters and assistive listening devices
Dr. Agboke urged PWDs to indicate their needs during registration so INEC can make necessary arrangements for Election Day.
Acknowledging the support of political parties, IPAC, security agencies, and civil society groups, Dr. Agboke appealed for continued cooperation. He cautioned against vote-buying, violence, and fake news, stating that such electoral malpractices are punishable under the Electoral Act 2022.
“To the youth and general public, I implore you to shun violence and resist being used as agents of destruction,” he said.
He also called on the media and civil society to support voter education, civic awareness, and advocacy against electoral fraud.
The commission assured voters of technological transparency. The INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) will be deployed for registration, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used on Election Day to ensure credible voter authentication.
He assured, “We are committed to transparency, fairness, and professionalism. Your vote will count.”
Various political parties representatives who spoke sperately during the meeting urged INEC to ensure that all they preaches regarding to transparent, fair and credible elections are come realistic
They commended the INEC for the Enlightenment initiative towards the ongoing voters registration campaign adding that a lot has to be done to ensure free and fair election in 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
