Osun Election: Yiaga Africa calls for BVAS audit, improved security ahead 2027 polls

Yiaga Africa has called for a thorough post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improved security measures ahead of the 2027 general elections. This recommendation stems from their observation of the 2026 Osun State governorship election. On Sunday, the organization's Chair, Dr Asmau Maikudi, presented their Process and Results Verification Statement in Osogbo.

Maikudi, along with Yiaga Africa's Executive Director, Samson Itodo, praised Osun voters for their resilience and participation. The organization urged voters to continue holding political parties and candidates accountable for their promises. Yiaga Africa recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should provide clear, binding guidelines for securing and using Permanent Voter Cards and insist on a comprehensive technical audit of BVAS devices to identify issues and enhance testing, maintenance, and support.

They also urged INEC to publish reasons for biometric authentication failures and the measures to be taken. The organization suggested better training for ad hoc election officials to ensure consistent application of procedures. On security, Yiaga Africa called for a review of deployment plans and joint movements of personnel and materials during elections.

The Nigeria Police Force was asked to publish a report on its deployment in Osun, including arrests made and planned prosecutions. Yiaga Africa also urged political parties to train polling agents on the Electoral Act, INEC regulations, and voter education. The security agencies were urged to extend enforcement beyond polling unit precincts to areas where inducement occurs.

The organization used 300 observers, 32 mobile observers, and 30 Local Government Area results collation observers across all 30 LGAs for their methodology. Their findings were based on reports from 289 of the 300 sampled polling units, representing 96% coverage. The official results announced by INEC were consistent with their estimates, but Yiaga Africa stressed concerns over reported vote buying and voter inducement. INEC's 43% official turnout fell within their estimated range.