By John Dike, Osogbo
In preparation for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has started a comprehensive two-day training programme for its staff ahead of the in-person phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The initiative, which began this week, is part of the Commission’s broader commitment to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and efficient voter registration process across the state.
The training is specifically designed to equip participants, primarily Registration Officers (ROs) and other field personnel, with the necessary skills, technical know-how, and professionalism required to effectively carry out their duties during the CVR exercise.
It covers critical areas such as the use of biometric data capture devices, voter data verification, handling complaints, and public engagement.
In addition to operational training, participants are being sensitized on INEC’s code of conduct, ethical guidelines, and customer service standards.
These elements are aimed at promoting a citizen-friendly, transparent, and accountable voter registration process.
The physical registration exercise is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will take place across all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, as well as designated registration centers.
According to INEC, the training serves as a vital preparatory step to ensure that all involved personnel are fully informed and ready to manage the process efficiently and in line with national electoral standards.
Speaking at the opening session of the training, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, commended the staff for their dedication and contributions thus far.
He urged them to approach the upcoming CVR exercise with renewed commitment, professionalism, and a sense of responsibility.
Agboke emphasized that the integrity of the voter register—and indeed, the entire electoral process—rests heavily on the conduct of INEC officials on the field
He called on participants to carry out their duties with courtesy, impartiality, diligence, and transparency, reminding them of their role as public servants entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic values.
His words, “The success of this exercise depends largely on how well you perform your duties.
“You are not just representing INEC; you are representing the Nigerian people. Every eligible citizen must be treated with respect and fairness, and the process must be devoid of bias, intimidation, or irregularities.”
He reiterated INEC’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, manipulation, or dereliction of duty, and warned that any infractions would attract disciplinary actions.
He assured that the Commission will closely monitor the exercise to ensure full compliance with all procedures and standards.
In his closing remarks, Agboke encouraged participants to make the most of the training, ask questions where needed, and fully commit themselves to the success of the CVR exercise.
He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the Commission’s mandate and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Osun State.
The two-day training is expected to conclude with a practical demonstration of the registration process. Thereafter, trained officers will be deployed to their respective Local Government Areas to begin the CVR exercise.
