Osun Decides: EU Observers Flag 323 Electoral Offences, BVAS Failure, Vote Trading
The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub has raised concerns over vote trading, intimidation and other irregularities in the Osun governorship election.
The group which comprises Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), International Press Centre (IPC),
Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF),
TAF Africa,The Kukah Centre (TKC) and
Yiaga Africa, in a preliminary statement at 2pm, said 823 observers across 30 LGAs recorded 38 security incidents and 323 electoral offences by noon.
Offences included 103 cases of vote trading, 12 multiple voting, 28 inducement of officials, 38 campaigning at polling units, 14 impersonation, 7 official misconduct, 31 voter obstruction and 85 ballot exposure cases. It clarified these were not tied to 323 polling units.
It also reported 25 thuggery cases, 12 attacks on officials and 9 intimidation incidents, noting most security personnel acted professionally.
“Voting was largely peaceful, though intimidation was reported in Ejigbo and Osogbo. Materials were present in 726 of 823 polling units, with 83.7% opening between 7:30am and 8am; one unit had not opened by 11am.
“BVAS malfunctioned in 58 cases, with 41 resolved. Turnout was high, with women making up 59% of voters and over 70% participation by persons with disabilities in 12 accessible units. Women also accounted for 36% of polling officials”, said the group.
Observers said media access was unhindered and 11 false claims were debunked.
They urged INEC to fix logistics and BVAS issues, security agencies to remain neutral, parties to reject malpractice, and media to avoid unofficial results.
The Hub said it would monitor collation and issue a full report after results are declared, calling the election a key test of Nigeria’s electoral system.
