2027: We’re Ready to Ensure Credible and Transparent Polls in Osun, Declares REC

In Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that preparations for the 2027 General Election are proceeding smoothly. Nine out of the 14 major tasks on the electoral calendar have already been accomplished. During a press conference in Osogbo, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, emphasized the commission's commitment to ensuring a free, fair, credible, and transparent poll in the upcoming elections.

Mrs Babalola highlighted the progress made since the August 15, 2026 governorship election, which saw a voter turnout of 1,010,684 out of 2,339,233 registered voters - a participation rate of 43.2 percent. She also noted the successful operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in all 3,763 polling units throughout the state, and commended the IReV for uploading 87 percent of polling unit results by 4:30 p.m. on election day.

Regarding voter registration, Mrs Babalola shared that the rate of PVC collection in Osun has increased to 81.74 percent, with only 18.26 percent of cards remaining to be collected. She urged eligible voters to collect their cards ahead of the elections to avoid any last-minute inconveniences. The commission announced that Osun currently has 5,763 functional BVAS machines at its disposal for the general election, including 1,328 backup devices to handle any technical issues on election day.

Mrs Babalola further stated that INEC is actively recruiting ad hoc personnel through their online portal, with a focus on selecting competent, neutral, and professional candidates for election duties. The commission has also begun several training programs for electoral officials, security personnel, presiding officers, and collation officers, all of which are scheduled to commence in the lead-up to the polls.