Aminat Akinsola and Pa. Isaac Adeniran Adesanmi, a 97-year-old voter, have praised the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election, highlighting both the inclusivity of the process and persistent technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Akinsola, a woman living with a disability, cast her ballot at Ward 4, Unit 6, Ilupeju 1, in Ejigbo Local Government Area. She was the first voter accredited at the polling unit and said Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc personnel treated her with respect and courtesy. She described the atmosphere at the centre as peaceful and expressed satisfaction with the overall process.
At the NUD Primary School collation centre, Unit 1, Ward 4, Ilase Ijesa, in Obokun Local Government Area, Adesanmi joined other elderly voters to exercise his franchise. The nonagenarian, who was accompanied by relatives, said he has participated in Elections since the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His name appeared as number 116 on the voters’ register.
However, his accreditation was delayed after the BVAS device initially failed to capture his face and fingerprints. Election officials asked him to remain patient while a second attempt was made, which succeeded.
Adesanmi used the moment to urge Nigerians, particularly young people, not to abandon the electoral process. “I will advise Nigerians particularly the youth to vote because if they do not, the kind of leaders they want will not be there,” he said.
Their experiences reflect a broader pattern across the election: voters with disabilities and the elderly turning out in significant numbers, often assisted by officials committed to inclusive procedures, while BVAS malfunctions caused isolated delays. Election observers noted that despite technical hitches, polling units generally remained calm and orderly.
INEC has previously acknowledged BVAS challenges in other elections, citing issues with biometric capture for elderly voters and those with worn fingerprints. The commission says it continues to refine the system ahead of future polls.
The Osun governorship election, a key off-cycle contest, is being closely watched as a barometer for electoral integrity ahead of the next general election cycle. Peaceful participation by vulnerable demographics and public confidence in the process remain critical indicators of democratic Health.
