#OsunDecides2026: Yiaga evaluates INEC’s preparedness, election materials deployment in LGAs

Yiaga Africa's Watching The Vote (WTV) initiative conducted an assessment of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) readiness for the Osun State governorship election, less than 24 hours before polling was scheduled to begin.

The WTV working group visited INEC offices in several local government areas to evaluate the deployment of election materials and the overall preparedness for Saturday's vote. These visits provided an opportunity for observers to interact with INEC officials, political party agents, and other stakeholders regarding the electoral process's readiness. Key areas of focus included the arrival and sorting of sensitive election materials, the deployment of ad hoc staff, security measures, the presence of party agents, and preparations at Registration Area Centres (RACs).

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I’ve not slept since the materials arrived.

In Ejigbo Local Government Area, an Electoral Officer reported that sensitive election materials had arrived early Friday morning, with distribution completed before 4 a.m. The official, appearing fatigued, confirmed that security personnel from the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police Force were present to secure the materials and staff. All Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) had reported and were prepared for deployment, with each polling unit assigned three Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs). Agents from the Accord Party, PDP, and ADC were present, though an agent for the All Progressives Congress (APC) had reportedly left without a replacement.

However, the assessment in Ede North Local Government Area revealed a different situation, with INEC officials still sorting election materials after 11 a.m. on Friday. This indicated that logistical preparations were still underway just hours before the election. Officials stated that Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) were present, assigning four APOs to each polling unit. In contrast to Ejigbo, where specific numbers were not detailed beyond party representation, Ede North reported the presence of 14 political party agents. The LGA had also received its sensitive election materials.

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He came and left and said he would send another person, but he has not sent the person yet.