The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) will guarantee credible and transparent 2023 general elections, emphasizing that the machines have never failed. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced this on Saturday after assessing activities at polling units in the Federal Capital Territory, where a mock voter accreditation exercise using BVAS machines was conducted nationwide. He noted that spare machines have been arranged for the elections and that, in the two polling units visited so far, there have been no reports of failure; the machines performed optimally across the country. “We have also made contingency arrangements for election day, including spare machines, so that in the unlikely event of a malfunction we can respond and fix the machines,” Yakubu said.
According to Yakubu, the mock exercise demonstrated that it takes less than 30 seconds to accredit a voter, ensuring seamless accreditation and electronic transmission of results on election day. He praised the speed and authentication of the BVAS, stating that the devices have never failed. While declining to comment on the Osun governorship election issue, which is sub‑judice, he explained that INEC learns from each experience to improve future processes. One lesson learned is the ability to transmit accreditation data promptly. To this end, the commission created a new uniform resource locator on its results‑viewing portal where both accreditation figures and results can be accessed.
The mock exercise was organized to test the integrity of the BVAS machines, which are being deployed nationwide for the first time. INEC selected 436 polling units across the states—four units in each local government area of two local governments per senatorial district—totaling 16 polling units per state. Yakubu assured Nigerians that on election day both accredited data and actual votes will be transmitted simultaneously and accurately. Voters are verified using their PVCs and then authenticated via fingerprint or facial recognition on the machines before receiving ballot papers.
In Anambra State, the mock accreditation suffered low turnout in major cities such as Onitsha, Obosi, Nnewi, and Awka. A correspondent observed sparse attendance, although INEC officials reported that the BVAS machines operated smoothly. The low turnout was attributed to cash scarcity, which forced many people to queue at bank ATMs. Resident Mrs. Josephine Uko explained that the public’s priority was securing cash, not participating in the exercise, and that many were unaware it was taking place. INEC Assistant Electoral Officer Mr. Reginald Onyeukwu expressed disappointment over the turnout but affirmed that adequate sensitisation had been carried out in each local government area.
In Lagos, mock accreditation was conducted in 12 polling units across six local government areas. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Olusegun Agbaje said the BVAS performed effectively, with no challenges reported. He emphasized that the exercise demonstrates BVAS reliability, provided politicians allow INEC to work without interference. A registered voter, Mr. Afeez Sulaiman, reported a swift two‑minute accreditation process, while PDP chieftain Mr. Kazeem Jolaosho noted occasional fingerprint identification issues, urging INEC to address them.
In Oyo State, turnout varied, with some polling units experiencing high participation and others low. Resident Mr. Oladeji Adekunle, who was accredited at PU 035, Ward 2, urged INEC to intensify voter sensitisation ahead of election day, praising the exercise despite low attendance at his polling unit.
Edo State’s mock accreditation covered six local government areas and 12 polling units. REC Mr. Obo Efanga observed that BVAS had been used in other states for two years and that the exercise helped voters understand the system and locate their new polling units. He noted that participation is voluntary, but those who attend provide valuable testing of the system.
In Ogun State, low turnout was noted in most centres, including venues in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ado, Odo/Ota, Ogun Waterside, Sagamu, and Egbado South. Nonetheless, REC Niyi Ijalaye praised the BVAS’s operational level, expressing confidence that the machines will perform similarly across the state.
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