INEC Ramps Up Osun Poll Preparations, Unveils BVAS Facility, Media Hub, Announces Staff Incentives

With just over two weeks to the August 15 Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the exercise by commissioning new electoral infrastructure, introducing a staff reward scheme, and reaffirming its commitment to delivering a credible, peaceful and transparent poll.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, unveiled the initiatives during a working visit to the Commission’s Osun State headquarters in Osogbo, where he inaugurated a purpose-built Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) Storage Facility and the Osun Decides Media Studio.

The newly commissioned facilities are expected to strengthen the security of sensitive election technology, improve information dissemination, and enhance the Commission’s operational capacity ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.

Speaking during an interactive session with Electoral Officers and members of staff, Amupitan urged election personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, noting that Nigerians are looking to INEC to deliver another credible election.

“The expectation on INEC is very high. We have to do everything possible within our powers and abilities to reduce the existing tension and inspire confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

The INEC chairman stressed that the Commission’s leadership would continue to support staff and encourage innovation in addressing operational challenges before and during the election.

In a move aimed at boosting staff morale, Amupitan announced the introduction of cash rewards and foreign travel opportunities for officials who distinguish themselves through exceptional service during the Osun governorship poll.

He said the initiative forms part of broader institutional reforms designed to reward professionalism, integrity and dedication while improving overall performance during election assignments.

Amupitan also expressed confidence in the Commission’s readiness for the election, citing INEC’s successful conduct of the Anambra governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti governorship poll and about 11 bye-elections since he assumed office.

“We are committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election. We have continued to improve with every election, and by the grace of God, Osun will not be different,” he assured.

On election security, the INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission was working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the National Peace Committee to ensure adequate protection for voters, election personnel and sensitive materials.

He warned that acts of violence, voter intimidation and other threats to the electoral process would not be tolerated.

Amupitan also raised concerns over the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation, urging election officials to remain vigilant and respond professionally to false narratives capable of undermining public confidence.

He further renewed his appeal for sustainable funding of election management, arguing that the rising cost of conducting off-cycle governorship elections has increased financial pressure on the Commission.

Earlier, the National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, commended the INEC chairman for prioritising staff welfare, describing the incentive package as a demonstration of leadership committed to motivating workers and improving service delivery.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the Commission was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, inclusive and credible governorship election in the state.

Also speaking, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said all critical preparations for the August 15 election had been completed.

She assured that election officials would carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication, adding that every operational decision from technology deployment to polling unit management and the safeguarding of election materials was geared towards strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

The commissioning of the new BVAS storage facility and media studio, alongside enhanced staff motivation and strengthened security collaboration, reflects INEC’s determination to ensure a smooth and credible governorship election in Osun State.