The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the attack on one of its Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection centres in Osun State will not affect preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
The commission said it remains committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election despite the incident.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Dayo Oketola, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Suspected hoodlums had on Sunday attacked the PVC collection centre located at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, where they assaulted officials on duty and made away with electoral materials, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and PVCs.
Police Investigating Attack
Oketola said the incident had been reported to the police, adding that investigations were already underway.
“The Osun incident has been reported to the police. As we speak, it is already public knowledge that the police have started an investigation,” he said.
He expressed confidence that security agencies would arrest those responsible and recover the stolen materials.
“As a commission, we trust that the police will be diligent in their investigation, track those suspects, get them arrested and ensure they face the wrath of the law.
“We also trust that they’ll be able to recover our devices, including the BVAS that were reportedly carted away,” he added.
Election Preparations on Course
The INEC spokesman said the attack would not disrupt the commission’s timetable or operational plans for the governorship election.
“It is a matter already under investigation; I cannot actually comment too much on it.
“But I know that that cannot distract INEC from carrying out the activities preceding the Osun governorship election.
“INEC cannot be distracted. We will conduct a free and fair election in Osun. That incident cannot distract us.
“The election will go on as planned, and we expect it to be free, fair and credible at the end of the day,” he said.
According to him, the commission is already carrying out a pre-election assessment across the state to review its level of preparedness and engage with relevant stakeholders.
He disclosed that 4,427 BVAS devices had been configured for the election, with an additional 664 set aside as backup.
“Whatever was carted away will be replaced. Out of the 4,427 BVAS, we have 664 prepared as backups. There is no way whatever happened can disrupt our plans for the election,” he said.
Oketola also said INEC had established 97 Super Registration Area Centres (Super RACs) and 105 Registration Area Centres across Osun, which would be activated on the eve of the election.
Stolen PVCs Cannot be Used to Vote
The INEC spokesman described the theft of PVCs as futile, saying the BVAS technology prevents anyone from voting with another person’s card.
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“Nobody can use another person’s PVC to vote in an election in Nigeria again. The era of ghost voters is gone. With BVAS, you must tender your PVC and undergo biometric authentication.
“The technology has been tightened in such a manner that nobody can use another person’s identity to vote any longer in Nigeria.
“That has been proven in previous elections, particularly those that were conducted under the leadership of Prof. Amupitan,” he said.
No Voter Will be Disenfranchised
Oketola assured registered voters that the commission would take necessary steps to ensure no eligible voter loses the opportunity to vote because of the theft.
“Once a voter’s name is already on the voters’ register, and somehow, your PVC happens to be among those that have been reportedly stolen, I want to believe you can’t be disenfranchised from exercising your right or participating in the election, come Aug. 15.
“Whatever the commission will do to solve that problem will be done. I know the commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure that no registered voter in Osun is disenfranchised on the election day,” he said.
He also called on residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, political parties, religious organisations and security agencies to work together to safeguard electoral materials and ensure a peaceful and credible election.
According to him, while security agencies will provide protection during the poll, the cooperation of all stakeholders is essential to guarantee a successful election and encourage voters to come out without fear.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.