OSOGBO, Nigeria — Armed hoodlums attacked an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collection centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, disrupting the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the state’s 2026 governorship election.
According to election officials, about 10 armed men stormed the INEC collection centre located at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, on Saturday. Witnesses said the attackers fired several gunshots into the air, causing panic among residents and election officials before making away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.
The incident sparked fear within the community as prospective voters and INEC personnel fled the area to avoid being caught in the attack. No casualties were immediately reported, but the disruption has heightened concerns over election security as political activities intensify across the state.
Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, confirmed the incident, describing it as a serious attack on the electoral process. She assured residents that the commission was working closely with security agencies to assess the extent of the breach and ensure that the integrity of the voter registration and distribution process is protected.
The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the attack through the Osun State Police Command. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said tactical units had been deployed to track down the armed suspects, recover the stolen voter cards and bring those responsible to justice. He urged members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The attack has already generated sharp political reactions, with rival parties trading accusations over responsibility for the incident. Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, accused opposition elements of attempting to undermine the electoral process by disrupting the distribution of voter cards. He condemned the attack and called on security agencies to ensure that those behind it are arrested and prosecuted.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council rejected the allegation, accusing the Speaker of sponsoring political thugs to create confusion around the PVC distribution exercise. The party described the accusation against the opposition as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that a thorough and impartial investigation should be carried out to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The exchange of accusations underscores growing political tension in Osun State as preparations continue for the governorship election. Political observers have expressed concern that incidents of violence and intimidation could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if not addressed swiftly.
Security agencies have assured residents that additional personnel will be deployed to sensitive locations across the state to safeguard election materials, protect INEC facilities and ensure the peaceful continuation of PVC distribution. INEC has also reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election despite the security challenges.
The investigation into the attack remains ongoing, while authorities continue efforts to recover the stolen Permanent Voter Cards and apprehend those responsible. Election stakeholders have urged political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to carry out their duties in the interest of a peaceful and credible electoral process.
