Osun gov poll largely peaceful, says CDD

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has assessed the Osun State governorship election as generally peaceful, while also highlighting several operational challenges that occurred during the process. The election monitoring group observed the polls across all 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State.

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INEC’s deployment was broadly successful, with 89.1 per cent of observed polling units recording officials’ arrival before 8:30 a.m.

According to the CDD's preliminary statement, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrated broad success in deploying officials, with 89.1% of observed polling units seeing officials arrive before 8:30 a.m. However, delays were noted in certain locations, including Ife Central and Aiyedire LGAs. The CDD also reported instances where political party agents were found with voters' registers before INEC officials arrived, necessitating clarification.

A significant concern raised by the CDD involved the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Observers reported issues such as slow processing and difficulties with biometric verification in several LGAs, including Irepodun, Ejigbo, Obokun, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ola Oluwa, Ede North, and Ede South. The CDD urged INEC to ensure functional backup equipment and provide prompt technical support for BVAS malfunctions.

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BVAS problems were reported in Irepodun, Ejigbo, Obokun, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ola Oluwa, Ede North and Ede South Local Government Areas.

Vote buying emerged as another serious concern. The CDD reported instances of vote solicitation around polling units in Ilesa East and Ola Oluwa. Media reports also alleged vote buying involving agents from the APC and Accord parties in Irewole Local Government Area. The center called for thorough investigations into these allegations and prosecution of any established violations.

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Observers reported vote solicitation around polling units in Ilesa East and Ola Oluwa.

Regarding security, while voting was peaceful in many areas, the CDD expressed concern over violent incidents reported in Ejigbo and Modakeke. Suspected thugs reportedly disrupted voting in Ejigbo, and allegations of voters being tear-gassed in Modakeke and Obokun warrant independent investigation, the center stated.

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Allegations of voters being tear-gassed in Modakeke and Obokun should be independently investigated.