Osun Election: Observers Report 323 Irregularities, 38 Security Incidents by Noon

Civil society organizations monitoring the Osun State governorship election reported 323 electoral offenses and irregularities by noon on Saturday. The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH) documented these issues across 726 observed polling units.

Vote trading emerged as the most prevalent offense, with 103 cases recorded. Other reported irregularities included ballot paper exposure (85 cases), obstruction of voters (31 cases), and campaigning at polling units (38 cases). The group, comprising Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, and others, deployed 823 observers across the state.

Beyond electoral offenses, the hub also documented 38 security incidents. These included 25 instances of thuggery and 12 attacks on electoral officials. Nine cases of voter intimidation allegedly involved security personnel, though observers noted that most security agents acted professionally. The findings were presented by Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre.

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Although most of the security personnel exhibited professional conduct over the course of voting, there were some reported cases of voter intimidation by security agents at PU 29-10-10-005 at Igbon DC. 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.