Armed hoodlums have attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, making away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The incident, which occurred during the ongoing PVC distribution exercise, is the latest security concern as political activities intensify across the state before the poll.

Confirming the attack in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said about 10 suspected thugs stormed Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing voter cards.

According to him, the hoodlums fired several gunshots into the air, causing panic and forcing electoral officials to flee for safety before escaping with three packs of PVCs.

The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and directed an immediate investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Ojelabi said tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen voter cards.

“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” he said.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and upholding the rule of law throughout the election period.

He urged residents to remain calm, comply with the law, and avoid actions capable of heightening political tension in the state.

Ojelabi also appealed to members of the public and eyewitnesses with credible information about the attack to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

He warned that anyone attempting to exploit the incident to incite violence or disrupt public peace would face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the police disclosed that operatives had restored normalcy in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs who gathered around the Mayfair Garage area became unruly, temporarily disrupting public peace and commercial activities.

The command assured residents of its readiness to protect lives and property and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.

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Tension and anticipation fill Anambra State as voters head to the polls today to elect a new governor under tight security. More than 60,000 security personnel have been deployed across the 21 local councils to safeguard the exercise, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says will be free, fair, and transparent. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s full readiness, noting a 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate-one of the highest in recent Nigerian elections.

This election marks Amupitan’s first major test as INEC Chairman and is expected to shape public trust in the Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections. Over 2.8 million registered voters are eligible to participate, with 16 candidates vying for the state’s top seat. INEC has deployed 6,879 BVAS devices, 24,000 ad hoc staff, and comprehensive logistics to ensure all 5,720 polling units open on time and that results are transmitted transparently.

Civil society groups, however, have cautioned against what they call the “militarisation” of the electoral process, urging security forces to remain professional and non-intimidating. Analysts say the Anambra governorship election will be a critical test of INEC’s credibility, logistics, and ability to inspire voter confidence. A peaceful and credible outcome could boost faith in Nigeria’s democracy, while failure may deepen public scepticism about electoral integrity.

The post Anambra Election: INEC Promises Credible, Peaceful Poll appeared first on Housing TV Africa.