Civil society organisations monitoring the Osun State governorship election have reported 323 cases of electoral offences and irregularities across 726 polling units observed as of noon on Saturday.
The findings, presented under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH), included cases of vote trading, ballot exposure, voter obstruction, inducement and other breaches of the electoral process.
The Hub deployed 823 accredited observers across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to monitor the election.
Vote Trading Tops Reported Offences
According to the preliminary statement presented by the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, vote trading accounted for the largest category of reported electoral offences.
The observers recorded:
- 103 cases of vote trading
- 12 cases of multiple voting
- 28 cases of inducement involving polling and security officials
- 38 cases of campaigning at polling units
- 14 cases of voter impersonation
- 7 cases of election official misconduct
- 31 cases of voter obstruction
- 85 cases involving exposure of ballot papers
The organisations said the incidents were recorded in 726 of the 823 polling units where observers had submitted reports as of noon.
The report comes amid concerns over electoral reforms, vote-buying and the enforcement of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, particularly provisions aimed at improving the integrity of elections.
38 Security Incidents Reported
The observers also documented 38 security incidents during the election.
The incidents included 25 cases of thuggery, 12 attacks on electoral officials and nine cases of voter intimidation allegedly involving security personnel.
Although most security personnel were reported to have acted professionally, the Hub said voter intimidation by security agents was recorded at three polling units.
They were identified as PU 29-10-10-005 at Igbon District Commercial School in Ejigbo, PU 29-26-01-002 and PU 29-30-06-015 at an open space opposite No. 22, Oke Ola Street, Okanla Area, Osogbo.
The observers urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, stressing that their presence at polling units should protect voters and election officials rather than discourage participation.
Delays Recorded at Some Polling Units
The Hub also reported delays in the arrival of election officials and materials at some polling units.
Of the 726 polling units covered by the observers, 608, representing 83.7 per cent, had officials arrive with the complete complement of election materials between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Another 75 polling units, representing 10.3 per cent, received officials between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., while officials arrived at 42 polling units, representing 5.7 per cent, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
One polling unit had not opened as of 11 a.m. because election officials and materials had not arrived.
58 BVAS Devices Reportedly Malfunctioned
The observers reported that 58 BVAS devices malfunctioned across the 726 polling units observed, representing 7.9 per cent.
However, 41 of the affected devices, representing 70.7 per cent, were subsequently rectified, allowing voter accreditation to resume.
The Hub called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy Registration Area Technical Support personnel and backup BVAS devices to locations where accreditation equipment failed.
Electronic transmission and access to polling unit results remain important elements of Nigeria’s evolving electoral system, as outlined in The Bureau Journal’s guide to the 2027 elections and Electoral Act reforms.
Women and Persons With Disabilities Participate
Despite the reported irregularities, the observers said voting was largely peaceful and inclusive in most locations monitored.
Women accounted for about 59 per cent of voters observed, while more than 70 per cent of persons with disabilities turned out at the 12 designated PwD polling units monitored by the Hub.
Women also constituted 36 per cent of polling officials in the locations observed and played significant roles as polling agents.
The organisations urged INEC to continue monitoring the availability of priority voting and assistive devices for elderly voters, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
Observers Call for Caution Over Results
The EU-SDGN EOH urged media organisations and political actors to avoid announcing unofficial or projected results before INEC completes the formal collation and declaration process.
It also called on journalists to fact-check information emerging during the result process and promptly report attacks or attempts to restrict access to election-related activities.
Political parties and candidates were urged to reject vote buying, intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice and pursue legitimate grievances through election petitions and the courts.
The organisations also reminded political parties of the Peace Accord signed on July 30 and called on voters to remain calm as the process moves towards the final declaration.
EU-SDGN EOH to Release Post-Election Report
The observation Hub said it would publish a comprehensive post-election report after the declaration of the results.
The report is expected to provide a broader assessment of the conduct of the election, including the credibility of the process, security situation, participation, electoral offences and other issues observed across Osun State.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments from the Osun election, including official results, collation updates and other Nigeria politics news.
The latest findings also reinforce the importance of voter education and public scrutiny as Nigeria prepares for future elections. For a broader look at the country’s electoral landscape, readers can also follow developments around political parties and their 2027 candidates as the next general election approaches.
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