UK commends peaceful Osun election, congratulates Adeleke

The British High Commission in Nigeria has commended the peaceful participation of Osun State residents in the recent governorship election and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election. The commission deployed accredited observers who noted several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process.

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Based on their observations, and consistent with the findings of credible independent observer groups with wider deployments across the state, we welcome several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process.

Observations included polls opening on schedule in many locations, security personnel maintaining order, and effective implementation of electoral procedures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The patience and resilience of voters throughout election day were also highlighted.

However, the High Commission also pointed to persistent challenges, including reports of isolated incidents that caused tension before and during the election. A significant concern remains the widespread issue of vote-buying across party lines. Additionally, the commission noted difficulties faced by persons with disabilities and elderly voters in accessing polling units, as well as overcrowding issues linked to the speed and limited availability of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.

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We note reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process and the significant remaining challenge of voter including vote-buying, across party lines.

The British High Commission encouraged relevant Nigerian institutions to thoroughly review these issues. It stressed the importance of learning lessons, incorporating recommendations from credible organizations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, to strengthen public confidence, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria's electoral system.

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We encourage the relevant institutions to review these issues carefully and to draw lessons, including from the recommendations of credible organisations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, that strengthen public confidence, transparency and accoun