Distribution of election materials for the Osun 2026 governorship election has commenced across the state, with polling officers already positioned at registration centres for collection and onward movement to various polling units.
The election will see 2,339,233 registered voters decide among 15 political parties, following a court judgment that ordered the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party candidate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission said it printed millions of ballot papers and result sheets within 36 hours following the judgment, which forced the commission to adjust its preparations at short notice.
The INEC National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Kunle Ajayi, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, assured of the commission’s readiness for the poll.
“In spite of the fact that the thing came late, we were able to print all ballot papers, millions, within 36 hours, because hours had no meaning to us anymore. Days had no meaning to us anymore,” Ajayi said.
“We were working day and night as if it were day. So, we were able to complete the printing, and we moved all the materials, all the sensitive materials, ballots, everything, to the Central Bank yesterday, late last night,” he added.
Ajayi said INEC first obtained a certified copy of the judgment before taking action to ensure that the order was valid and issued by a competent court. He dismissed reports that ballot papers were printed outside Nigeria, saying the commission had deliberately engaged reputable local printers since the 2023 elections.
On the electronic transmission and public viewing of results, Ajayi assured voters that results from polling units would be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.
“I can assure you of that. All the results will go on IReV,” he said.
Ajayi explained that results would be transmitted as they were completed at polling units, while noting that factors such as network connectivity and the volume of data could affect the pace at which they appeared on the portal.
“The IReV is not an adding machine. It’s not an adding system. The IReV is meant for the display of results from the PUs. That is what IReV is meant for,” Ajayi clarified.
He reiterated INEC’s readiness for the election, saying polling units would open on time. “I want to state categorically that we are absolutely ready for this election, 100%, not even 99.5%, 100% ready,” he said.
Polls will open by 8:30 am, according to the INEC commissioner.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its ban on the participation of the Amotekun Corps and other non-state security groups in security operations for the election.
The Force also announced a restriction on movement across the state from midnight on Friday, August 14, 2026, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
The police said only security agencies recognised and established under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are authorised to perform security and law-enforcement duties in connection with the election.
President Bola Tinubu has urged voters to participate peacefully and called on INEC and security agencies to ensure a transparent and credible election. He charged security agencies to protect voters and electoral officials from intimidation and urged eligible voters to turn out and exercise their civic responsibility.
