Osun 2026: International Observers Identify BVAS, Crowd Management Challenges

One of the International observers accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the 2026 Osun State governorship election, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) have identified improvements to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and crowd management at polling units as key areas requiring attention ahead of future elections.

Members of the International Association of World Peace Advocates made the observations in an interview with TVC News Online on Sunday, August 16, shortly after the announcement of Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the 2026 Osun Governorship election.

The observers led by Amb. Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke, said their major concern was the performance and physical condition of the BVAS devices deployed for the election, urging INEC to upgrade the technology to improve voters’ confidence in the electoral process.

“Our point of concentration is on the BIVAS machine. INEC should do whatever they can to work on that technology,” Nkweke said.

According to the observers, the BVAS devices they encountered appeared largely similar to those used since the technology was introduced, although they acknowledged that the software may have been updated.

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“The BVAS machine we saw yesterday appeared to be the BVAS machine they have been using since the introduction of the BVAS machine. Probably they have uploaded and updated the software,” the observer said.

The group urged INEC to go beyond software updates by improving the physical devices and enhancing their fingerprint, facial recognition and image-capturing capabilities.

“But the entire device, they should change it, and work on it, advance on it, and see how they can enhance particularly on the three features of fingerprint, facial and capturing,” Nkweke said.

The observers said a more efficient BVAS system would help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.

“If INEC can advance on this and ensure that election management using BVAS becomes so adequate, that will increase confidence in the heart of the people,” the observer said.

They also raised concerns over the overcrowding witnessed at some polling units, warning that congestion could trigger disagreements and potentially escalate into violence.

“Another thing we observe is the overcrowded nature of polling units is a big problem. It’s a big problem,” the observer said.

The group called on INEC to address the issue as part of measures to improve election security and voter experience.

“INEC should look into it because when a polling unit is overcrowded, little misunderstanding will spark violence and people will fight themselves,” the observer said.

The observers listed BVAS enhancement and crowd management among the areas requiring urgent attention, while commending INEC for the overall conduct of the election.

“BVAS machine enhancement, crowd management, and I’ll give INEC a very big kudos for this election,” the observer said.

Assessing Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general election based on the Osun governorship poll, the observers described the election as a significant lesson for Nigerians.

“Fantastic, this is a very big lesson. The Osun State governorship election is a very big lesson to all Nigerians,” the observer said.

The group urged Nigerians to obtain and maintain valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that voters’ cards remain crucial to determining who governs the country.

“Every Nigerian should make sure they have their PVC card. It is their PVC card that will determine who is going to lead you,” the observer said.

According to the observers, Nigeria’s electoral process is gradually moving away from practices associated with ballot snatching and voter intimidation towards greater voter awareness and participation.

“Nigeria’s election is departing from the old order of ballot snatching, old order of voter intimidation, to the new era of voter consciousness,” the observer said.

The observers noted that increasing awareness among voters was strengthening their ability to participate actively in determining the country’s leadership.

“People are becoming aware that with their voter’s card, they can decide who is going to lead them in the present election,” the observer said.

With the 2027 general election approaching, the group urged Nigerians whose voter registration details are incomplete or outdated to take the necessary steps to regularise them.

“My message is very clear. Every Nigerian should make sure you have your voter’s card. If your voter’s card is not updated or properly registered, please make sure you have your card in Nigeria,” the observer said.

The observers described the 2027 election as crucial to Nigeria’s democratic development, saying the outcome would be closely watched across Africa.

“2027 is sacrosanct. Nigeria is the giant of Africa. All Africa is looking towards Nigeria in the 2027 election, whereas all Nigerians are looking towards what has happened in Osun governorship election,” the observer said.

They maintained that the Osun election had demonstrated the importance of voter participation in determining electoral outcomes.

“It’s a very big lesson. With our voter’s card, the power belongs to the people,” the observer said.