The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has rolled out a comprehensive timetable for the 2026 governorship election, warning political actors that vote buying, underage registration, and electoral violence will not be tolerated.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, announced the election roadmap on Wednesday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo, shortly after posting the official Notice of Election across all 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Office.
According to Agboke, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will begin nationwide on August 18, 2025, via INEC’s online portal, followed by physical biometric capture from August 25 at all local government offices in Osun.
He stressed that the exercise will be free, urging residents not only to register but also to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Our target is not just to register voters but to ensure they collect their PVCs. Without a PVC, there is no voting,” he cautioned, revealing that 360,794 PVCs remain uncollected in the state.
Key dates in the election timetable include:
Party primaries: November 24 – December 15, 2025
Submission of candidates’ forms: January 15 – February 9, 2026
Election day: August 8, 2026
The REC disclosed that Osun currently has 1,954,800 registered voters and 3,763 polling units across 332 wards.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure transparency.
Agboke issued a stern warning to political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups to unite against vote buying and electoral violence.
“We must not pretend that all is well when vote buying and violence threaten our democracy. Both are punishable under the Electoral Act, and INEC will work with stakeholders to curb them,” he declared.
He cautioned Osun State residents that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be allowed to participate in the forthcoming election, urging eligible voters to register or update their details before the deadline.
He emphasised that registration and transfers would be conducted seamlessly and at no cost to the public.
“An adult who has never registered before is eligible for fresh registration,” INEC said. “A child who has attained the age of 18 years or more can also register as a fresh voter.
A voter who has lost his Permanent Voter Card is entitled to a replacement, while a voter whose PVC has been defaced can equally obtain a replacement. A voter who has relocated can apply for a transfer of his voting location.”
“Let me reiterate here that as it stands now, no PVC, no voting. You are hereby enjoined to collect your PVCs whenever the window of collection opens.”
INEC also assured persons with disabilities of inclusive arrangements. “With respect to the special provisions for Persons with Disabilities, INEC remains committed to an inclusive electoral process in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and international best practices.
“For the CVR exercise, we have made provisions to ensure that persons with disabilities are well taken care of in the same manner as persons without disabilities,” the statement added.
While commending the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), security agencies, and civil society organisations for their cooperation so far, Agboke urged sustained collaboration to deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent poll.
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