By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In its Watching the Vote (WTV) Osun 2026 Pre-Election Observation Report, emailed to Persecondnews, the organisation described the poll as one of the most consequential off-cycle elections in Nigeria’s current electoral calendar, saying its conduct and outcome will provide important lessons for future elections.
Yiaga Africa said the election will test the implementation of key provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly the use of election technology, result management, voter accreditation and the transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.
“Beyond determining the political leadership of the state for the next four years, the election serves as a litmus test for the 2027 general elections.
“The 2026 election will serve as the benchmark for INEC’s compliance with the new legal framework, particularly the provisions governing result management and the transmission and upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal,” it stated.
The civil society organisation said it deployed 32 trained long-term observers across all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State to monitor the pre-election environment, with the report covering findings from observation periods between June 13 and July 13, 2026.
Ahead of the election, Yiaga Africa said INEC’s preparations were largely progressing according to schedule, with observers confirming election-related activities across all 30 Local Government Areas of the state.
“Since 25 June 2026, WTV observers confirmed at least one election preparatory activity in each of Osun State’s 30 LGAs.
“These activities included Permanent Voter Card collection, recruitment of polling officials, BVAS configuration, election security training and stakeholder engagements with political parties,” Yiaga Africa explained.
Yiaga Africa noted that INEC had prepared 4,427 BVAS machines for the election, comprising 3,763 devices for polling units and 664 backup units, while 97 Super Registration Area Centres and 105 Registration Area Centres had also been established.
Yiaga Africa also reviewed efforts by electoral stakeholders, including INEC, civil society organisations and the National Orientation Agency, to prepare voters ahead of the election, but noted gaps in reaching some groups.
“While voter education efforts have expanded since the first observation period, outreach to key groups remains limited, particularly women, youth and persons with disabilities, underscoring the need for more inclusive voter education ahead of the election.”
The organisation said the credibility of the election would depend not only on election-day procedures but also on the wider environment in which voters make their choices.
“A credible election requires not only effective procedures but also a peaceful and transparent atmosphere that allows citizens to participate freely.”
Yiaga Africa, however, raised concerns over security challenges ahead of the poll, warning that incidents recorded during the pre-election period could affect voter confidence and participation.
The group documented six security incidents during the observation period, including attacks by unidentified gunmen, vandalism and an assassination attempt involving a governorship campaign official.
Yiaga Africa said the incidents were concentrated in Osogbo, Ifelodun and Oriade LGAs, warning they could affect voter confidence.
“Security remains a significant concern ahead of the election. While not all incidents recorded were directly election-related, each has the potential to increase fear, affect voter turnout and create challenges for a peaceful and credible electoral process.”
Yiaga Africa also identified voter inducement as a major electoral integrity concern, saying the practice is evolving beyond traditional election-day cash distribution to data-enabled electronic transfers that may be difficult to detect through conventional observation methods.
“This data-enabled model of voter inducement would be difficult to detect through conventional election-day observation. The collection of personal identification details and subsequent electronic transfers represents an emerging integrity risk that requires closer monitoring.”
With 2,339,233 registered voters, 14 political parties fielding candidates and a history of closely contested governorship elections, Yiaga Africa said Osun’s August 15 election would provide a key measure of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Author
Leave a comment