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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

UK mission praises Osun voters, urges lessons from election

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The British High Commission commended Osun State voters for peaceful participation in the governorship election.
  • Observers noted positive democratic signs like timely poll openings and effective INEC procedures, but also reported voter interference and challenges for elderly and disabled voters.
  • The commission urged Nigerian institutions to review election challenges and learn lessons to improve future electoral processes, reaffirming UK support for Nigeria's elections.

The British High Commission has praised the people of Osun State for their peaceful conduct during the recent governorship election, congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election. The commission, which deployed accredited observers, noted encouraging signs of a positive democratic process, including polls opening on time and effective electoral procedures by INEC officials.

This includes the opening of polls as scheduled in many locations, the commitment of security personnel to maintaining order, and the effective implementation of electoral procedures by INEC officials.

— British High CommissionDescribing positive aspects of the election process observed by the commission.

However, the observers also reported isolated incidents that caused tension before and during the election. Concerns were raised about voter interference, such as vote-buying, and difficulties faced by elderly and disabled voters in accessing polling facilities. The speed and limited availability of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices also contributed to overcrowding.

The British High Commission encouraged relevant institutions to carefully review these issues and learn lessons, referencing recommendations from organizations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room. The aim is to strengthen public confidence, transparency, and accountability in future elections.

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 accountability.

— British High CommissionUrging Nigerian institutions to learn from election challenges to improve future processes.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the commission acknowledged that off-cycle elections benefit from resources not easily replicated nationwide. Nevertheless, they expressed hope that the Osun election experience would inform improvements that enhance the integrity, inclusiveness, and credibility of future electoral processes. The UK reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria's electoral institutions and civil society in promoting peaceful and transparent elections.

We nevertheless hope that the experience of the Osun election will help inform further improvements that strengthen the integrity, inclusiveness and credibility of future electoral processes.

— British High CommissionExpressing hope that the Osun election will contribute to better future electoral processes in Nigeria.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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