Osun 2026: INEC Flags-Off Preparations For Governorship Election

News Update

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has officially commenced preparations for the 2026 Governorship Election with the unveiling of the Election Notice across its 30 local government offices, including the Area Office in Modakeke.
Speaking at an expanded stakeholders’ engagement held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, INEC Office, Osogbo, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, said the event marked a historic gathering of key players in the electoral process — political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, religious groups, the media, and people with disabilities (PWDs).

Dr. Agboke announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence nationwide on August 18, 2025, beginning with online registration via www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, followed by biometric capture at INEC local government offices from August 25. The CVR will also be conducted physically at INEC offices for those who cannot register online.

He emphasized that no cost is attached to registration and reiterated the commission’s “No PVC, No Voting” stance, urging eligible voters to not only register but also collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). As of July 31, 2025, Osun State has 1,954,800 registered voters, with 1,594,006 PVCs collected and 360,794 PVCs still unclaimed.

The REC detailed the election timeline, noting that:

Party primaries and resolution of disputes will hold between November 24 and December 15, 2025.

Submission of nomination forms (EC9 and EC9B) will be accepted via the INEC portal from January 15 to February 9, 2026.

The governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026.

Dr. Agboke also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, announcing several provisions for PWDs during the CVR and election, including braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, assistive listening devices, and priority voting queues.

He warned against underage registration and participation by foreigners, noting that such infractions would be punished under the Electoral Act.

On electoral integrity, the REC called on all political parties, civil society groups, media, and the public to denounce vote-buying, violence, and fake news, stressing that these acts undermine democracy and are punishable by law.

“I appeal to you all to continue to support INEC Osun State. We cannot deliver a peaceful and credible election alone. Together, we can ensure your vote counts,” he said.

Dr. Agboke assured stakeholders of INEC’s professionalism, transparency, and full deployment of technology such as the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure a credible process.

The event was attended by heads of security agencies, members of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society groups, religious leaders, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

For further details and the full INEC timetable for the 2026 Osun Governorship Election, stakeholders were assured that printed copies would be distributed during the engagement.