#OsunDecides2026: (PICTORIAL) INEC commences sorting, counting of votes
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun sorting and counting votes in polling units across Osun State following the conclusion of Saturday's governorship election.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash

Following the Osun State governorship election, INEC officials have initiated the vote sorting and counting process. Results are to be recorded on appropriate sheets, announced at polling units, and then transmitted, with some results already being uploaded to the INEC IReV portal despite reported issues with BVAS performance and result upload delays.
Imagine a big school election where everyone votes for a new class president. After everyone puts their papers in the box, grown-ups from the election office start carefully separating and counting all the votes to make sure every single one is counted fairly. They write down the numbers and share them so everyone knows who won, even though sometimes the counting machine can be a bit slow.
Analysis
Osun State
The article reports on the immediate aftermath of the governorship election in Osun State, Nigeria, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated the crucial process of sorting and counting votes. This phase follows the conclusion of voting across various polling units within the state on Saturday. The Osun governorship election is a significant event in Nigeria's political landscape, often seen as a barometer for broader national political sentiments and the efficacy of electoral processes.
The peaceful commencement of vote counting is a critical step towards determining the next leader of Osun State. The outcome of this election will not only shape the governance of the state for the coming years but also contribute to the narrative surrounding democratic stability and electoral integrity in Nigeria. The focus now shifts to the accurate tabulation and transparent announcement of results, which are vital for public trust.
INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is at the forefront of ensuring a credible electoral outcome in Osun State. Their officials are actively engaged in the meticulous sorting of ballot papers and the subsequent counting of votes cast for all participating candidates. This process is fundamental to the democratic exercise, ensuring that every valid vote is accounted for and accurately reflected in the final tally.
Following the counting, results are mandated to be recorded on designated result sheets. These results are then announced publicly at the polling units before being transmitted in accordance with established electoral guidelines. The article highlights that INEC has already begun uploading results to its IReV portal, with 402 out of 3,763 Osun election results reportedly uploaded, indicating the ongoing digital transmission efforts.
BVAS Performance
A notable aspect of the election, as indicated by related headlines, concerns the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). An unnamed ex-minister reportedly decried the slow performance of the BVAS technology during the election. This system is designed to enhance the credibility of elections by authenticating voters and transmitting results electronically, thereby reducing opportunities for fraud.
Furthermore, popular musician Davido also raised concerns, querying delays in uploading results to the INEC IReV platform. Such issues, whether related to the speed of accreditation or the transmission of results, can potentially impact public confidence in the electoral process and lead to questions about transparency and efficiency. Addressing these challenges is crucial for strengthening future elections and ensuring that technological advancements truly serve to improve democratic outcomes.
Key points
- INEC officials have commenced sorting and counting votes in Osun State after the governorship election.
- The process involves sorting ballots and counting votes for participating candidates.
- Results are to be recorded on result sheets, announced at polling units, and then transmitted.
- INEC has uploaded 402 of 3,763 Osun election results to its IReV portal.
- Concerns have been raised regarding slow BVAS performance and delays in result uploading.
The commencement of vote sorting and counting signifies progress in the democratic process, moving towards a clear outcome for the Osun State governorship election. The ongoing transmission of results to the INEC IReV portal suggests a commitment to transparency, which could bolster public confidence in the electoral system.
Concerns raised about slow BVAS performance and delays in uploading results to the INEC IReV platform could lead to skepticism and disputes regarding the election's integrity. Such issues might prolong the final announcement and potentially undermine trust in the electoral body's efficiency.

