Osun INEC Outlines 2027 Election Preparations and Media Expectations

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has issued a call for media organizations to prioritize accurate and neutral reporting. During a recent press briefing, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, emphasized that the commission relies on responsible journalism to support its voter education and public enlightenment initiatives.

Operational Progress and Timelines

According to the information provided by the REC, INEC has completed nine of the 14 scheduled activities outlined in its election timetable. The commission is currently working toward key upcoming milestones, including the publication of the official voter register on December 15 and the release of the notice of poll on December 29.

The electoral calendar for early 2027 is set as follows:

• January 14: Conclusion of campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections.
• January 16: Presidential and National Assembly elections.
• February 4: Conclusion of campaigns for State House of Assembly elections.
• February 6: State House of Assembly elections.

Babalola noted that the commission has already conducted a display of the preliminary voter register to allow residents to verify their information. Any claims or objections submitted during this period are currently being processed to ensure the final register is accurate.

Voter Cards and Technology Deployment

The commission provided an update on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). As of the latest report, 81.74% of available cards have been collected by voters in Osun State, leaving 18.26% still outstanding. To facilitate the voting process, the commission has confirmed it possesses sufficient Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to cover all 3,763 polling units in the state, supplemented by 1,328 backup units.

These machines are intended for voter authentication and the electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. The commission also stated that it has completed a “ground-truthing” exercise across all 30 local government areas to identify security flashpoints, with that data shared among relevant security agencies.

Personnel and Media Engagement

INEC has begun the recruitment of ad hoc staff via its official press portal, with a stated focus on selecting individuals based on competence and integrity. Training programs for various categories of election officials, including presiding officers and collation staff, are currently underway.

Regarding media participation, the commission has activated its accreditation portal, which will remain open until December 1. The REC urged media houses to complete their registration within this window to ensure they are properly credentialed to cover the electoral process. The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, noting that it continues to engage with civil society organizations and security agencies to foster a credible electoral environment.

Conclusion

As INEC moves into the final stages of its 2027 election preparations, the focus remains on meeting remaining deadlines and maintaining operational readiness. By emphasizing the role of the media in providing unbiased information, the commission aims to bolster public trust in the upcoming electoral process.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Tags: 2027 Elections · INEC · news · Nigeria Politics · Osun State · ViralBrief · Voter Education