Issued in Osogbo at 4:30pm: Saturday, 15th August 2026
INTRODUCTION
As part of its commitment to supporting electoral integrity and strengthening democratic governance, The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) deployed its election observation mission across the 30 Local Government Areas of the State. Situation Room also assessed the elections using its Credibility Threshold for the 2027 general elections whose main theme is focused on restoring confidence in the electoral process and hoping that this will be achieved by increased integrity of elections, improved delivery of elections, and greater engagement and involvement of citizens in the electoral process.
OBSERVATION METHODOLOGY
Situation Room’s observation of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election combined deployment of accredited election observers to polling units and the use of citizen observers reporting through the Situation Room Election Accountability Tracker (SEAT) mobile and web application. In addition, the Situation Room received reports from its partner networks deploying observers – CLEEN Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
Yesterday, the Situation Room released its Preliminary Statement and has received, analysed, verified and processed timely information throughout Election Day on critical aspects of the electoral process.
ELECTION DAY ENVIRONMENT
Our impression of the Election Day showed calm and peaceful inspite of the charged environment preceding the election. Voters assembled early too and were ready to exercise their franchise. This was quite encouraging and demonstrates the continued commitment of citizens of Osun State to participate in the democratic process. As the collation process approaches, we will continue to monitor developments in the State.
ORGANISATION BY INEC
Situation Room observed the organisation of the election by INEC, including deployment of personnel and materials as well as adherence to established procedures. INEC personnel were out early and commenced voting at the regular hour of 8:30am in 87% of the polling units observed. They showed reasonable knowledge of election procedures. However, voting commenced late in a few PUs observed including PU 002, Ward 1 (Agowande) and PU001, Ward 2 in Olorundan LGA, PU 009, Ward 1, Ede North LGA as well as PU010, Ward 03, Ife North LGA.
However, the Situation Room is concerned about instances of delayed congestion and some difficulties reported at some polling units. Of particular concern are polling units with large numbers of registered voters where inadequate BVAS deployment resulted in prolonged waiting times and potentially disenfranchise voters. Reports from Ila-Orangun, Osun Central for example, indicate significant congestion at a polling unit with more than 1,100 registered voters where only one BVAS device was reportedly available. In many polling units in Ilesa West LGA, the ink pads failed to print effectively due to lack of ink in the pads. However, in this particular polling unit – PU13 Oba Ajimoko High School, Ward 5, Illesha-West LGA the issue was escalated to INEC and resolved.
These concerns are significant given the technical difficulties recorded during the mock accreditation exercise conducted ahead of today’s election. Presiding Officers followed the prescribed procedures for resolving BVAS failures, while maintaining transparency and allowing accredited voters who are entitled to vote to do so.
Conduct of Election Officials and Party Agents
The Situation Room commends polling officials who demonstrated professionalism and commitment to the electoral process. There was presence of party agents belonging in most polling units visited.
Party agents have an important role in safeguarding the integrity of the process. However, their presence must be exercised within the limits prescribed by law.
Security and Protection of the Electoral Process
The Situation Room received reports of a few disruption a at some polling locations. In PU005, Egbeda Village II, Egbeda ward in Boripe LGA, our observer was physically harassed by party agents. In PU 006, Ward 5 in Irewole LGA we received reports of thugs causing chaos. Security personnel were deployed adequately in all the polling units visited.
Vote Buying and Electoral Inducement
There were observations of vote buying and all forms of electoral inducement including sharing of Jollof Rice and drinks in PU008, Ward 6 Isokan LGA which caused a lot of disorderliness. The credibility of an election is fundamentally undermined when voters are pressured or induced to exchange their votes for money, gifts or other benefits. Political actors must respect the freedom of voters to make their choices without coercion.
Participation of Persons with Disabilities and Vulnerable Voters
Situation Room observed that some polling units were inaccessible to Persons with Disabilities as a few places had barriers such as gutters and staircases. Situation Room notes that there were bold posters for the deaf in many polling units but assistive devices in PU04, Ward 1, Ife South had 10 voters with disabilities were not available. Polling units should be provided with reasonable assistance consistent with the law and INEC’s procedures.
Counting and Results Management
Counting and the results management process has begun. This is usually the most critical phase of the electoral process. It should be conducted transparently at the polling unit and in the presence of accredited party agents and other persons entitled to observe the process. Ballot papers must be properly sorted, counted and recorded, and the prescribed result forms must be completed accurately. Polling-unit results should be announced in accordance with the law and procedures, with copies made available to those entitled to receive them. Any disagreement concerning results must be documented and pursued through the appropriate legal and administrative mechanisms rather than through violence or disruption. Situation Room observed the first upload on the IReV portal by 3:49pm.
As voting continues in many polling units as at 4:15pm, we urge the people of Osun State to remain calm and ensure the cast their votes. The Situation Room will pay particular attention to the accuracy and transparency of the transition from polling-unit results to ward, local government and state-level collation.
SIGNED:
Celestine Odo
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
Mma Odi
Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
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The Situation Room is made up of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in support of credible and transparent elections in Nigeria and includes such groups as Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Enough is Enough Nigeria, LAPDO, Community Life Project/Reclaim Naija, Proactive Gender Initiative (PGI), RULAAC, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Upline Centre for Development, Stakeholder Democracy Network, Human Rights Monitor, CISLAC, and several other CSOs numbering more than seventy.