Biometric capture mandatory for Osun 2026 voter registration – REC

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has warned that filling out the online voter registration form alone does not qualify anyone as a registered voter, stressing that biometric capture remains a mandatory step.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, stated this on Wednesday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, INEC, Osogbo. He announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin nationwide on August 18, 2025, with prospective voters able to start the process online at www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.

However, he emphasised that registration will only be valid after applicants visit an INEC local government office for fingerprint and facial capture, starting from August 25.

“Anyone who completes the online form without the biometrics has not completed the registration process,” Agboke said. “They must visit their local government INEC office. Likewise, those who wish to skip the online process can register physically at any INEC local government office in Osun State.”

The REC urged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to indicate their needs during registration so these can be incorporated into Election Day arrangements, assuring that INEC remains committed to inclusivity in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and international best practices.

“For the CVR exercise, we have made provisions to ensure that persons with disabilities are well taken care of in the same manner as others,” he said.

Agboke disclosed that the notice of the 2026 governorship election has been posted in all 30 local government offices and the Modakeke area office.

He added that party primaries and dispute resolution will take place between November 24 and December 15, 2025, while political parties must submit candidates’ particulars between January 15 and February 9, 2026.