Osun election a key test for INEC ahead of 2027 polls, says Atedo Peterside

The upcoming Osun governorship election is a crucial test for Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, according to Atedo Peterside, founder of the GoNigeria Initiative. Peterside described the election as the final major off-cycle governorship contest before the 2027 general elections, making its conduct and results vital for public trust in the nation's electoral system.

“

Osun is the last off-cycle election before the general election, so it is significant. If INEC bungles the election, chances are that they will not be ready for the general election…

"If INEC bungles the election, chances are that they will not be ready for the general election," Peterside warned. He views the Osun election as a referendum on the preparedness and performance of INEC, the police, and other security agencies. "In the eyes of the public, they are on trial," he stated, recalling that INEC performed creditably in the previous Osun governorship election where the winner was clear by early evening.

“

The Osun election, same as four years ago, is a referendum on INEC, security agencies, police, everybody. In the eyes of the public, they are on trial.

Peterside also highlighted the significant demographic strength of young voters in Nigeria. His GoNigeria Initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge to participate meaningfully in elections, moving beyond just encouraging them to vote. "For many of them in Osun, it’s a first-time outing, that they are allowed to come out, and I hope Nigeria does not disappoint them for doing so," he said.

“

Last time around, INEC did well in Osun. By 6pm, we knew who the winner was. I hope they will pass the test this time.

Furthermore, Peterside argued that a high voter turnout is a key strategy to counter vote-buying. He explained that a large number of voters makes it more difficult for politicians to manipulate outcomes through financial inducements. "One of the ways to prevent riggers is to ensure voters’ turnout. It’s a large number of voters that make it difficult for even vote buyers to buy voters," he asserted, urging stakeholders to ensure the Osun election strengthens public confidence.

“

For many of them in Osun, it’s a first-time outing, that they are allowed to come out, and I hope Nigeria does not disappoint them for doing so.