Osun Election: Ensure credible, peaceful poll — Observers urge INEC, political parties, others

The Civil Society Observers’ Coordination Group in Osun has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders to guarantee a credible, peaceful, and transparent gubernatorial election on Saturday. The group held a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday to review election preparations, including voter processes, stakeholder engagements, logistics, and a recent mock accreditation exercise.

Comrade Femi Lawson, National Secretary of Campaign for Democracy, stated that INEC seems prepared for the election. However, the group emphasized the need to avoid logistical or technological issues that could undermine the election's credibility. They called for the prompt delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to all polling units, along with contingency plans for challenging terrain and hard-to-reach locations.

The observers expressed particular concern over the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, following issues during the mock exercise. They urged INEC to deploy sufficient technical personnel, functional devices, backup supplies, and rapid-response mechanisms.

Another concern was raised about the involvement of some individuals linked to the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in transporting election materials. The group requested that all transport personnel maintain professionalism and neutrality, warning against actions that could delay, divert, interfere with, or compromise the movement of materials.

Regarding security, the observers condemned reports of killings, attacks, and other acts of political violence in Osun State. They demanded thorough investigations by security agencies and called for perpetrators and sponsors to be held accountable.

The group also criticized public statements, such as a "kill them" remark, attributed to a prominent political figure, as they could provoke political tensions and violence. They urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security forces to act professionally, protect all election stakeholders, and maintain neutrality. Political parties, candidates, and supporters were encouraged to respect voters' choices, and voters were warned against engaging in vote buying or selling.

The group concluded by stating that no political ambition should justify harming an Osun citizen; the election should be a contest of ideas, records, programs, and popular support.