NBA Calls for BVAS Upgrade After Osun Election Review

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) assessed the 2026 Osun State governorship election as generally peaceful and orderly, according to a preliminary report signed by Festus Okoye, Chairman of the NBA Election Working Group, dated August 16, 2026. Observers noted early deployment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and materials, orderly voter conduct, responsible party agent behavior, and visible security presence.

Election activities began between 8:30 am and 9 am, with a satisfactory security situation and no significant incidents reported, except for a minor disruption in Ife South Local Government Area. However, the NBA identified challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including difficulties with fingerprint and facial recognition, particularly for elderly voters.

Some polling units experienced slow processing, and one unit in Egbedore faced a complete stoppage of the device. The NBA urged INEC to upgrade BVAS ahead of the 2027 elections and recommended creating additional polling units to ensure no unit has more than 500 registered voters.