UK mission praises Osun voters, urges lessons from election

The British High Commission has praised the people of Osun State for their peaceful conduct during the August 15 governorship election, where Governor Ademola Adeleke secured a re-election. The High Commission sent accredited observers to monitor the election after discussions with various stakeholders. The observations, which aligned with other credible independent observer groups, revealed several positive aspects of the democratic process, including timely opening of polls, security personnel's commitment to order, and INEC officials' efficient implementation of electoral procedures.

The commission specifically commended voters for their patience, resilience, and participation throughout the election. However, the High Commission noted isolated incidents that led to tensions before and during the election, as well as challenges such as voter interference, including vote-buying across party lines. The commission also raised concerns about the accessibility of polling facilities for persons with disabilities and elderly voters, as well as overcrowding due to the limited availability of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices for accreditation.

The British High Commission urged relevant institutions to review the identified issues and learn from the election to improve future electoral processes. They encouraged institutions to draw lessons from recommendations made by organizations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, aiming to enhance public confidence, transparency, and accountability.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the commission expressed hope that the Osun election's experience would contribute to further improvements in Nigeria's electoral system.