Osun gov poll largely peaceful, says CDD

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The Centre for Democracy and Development says the 2026 Osun governorship election has been generally peaceful, with some operational challenges.

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CDD-West Africa, through its Election Analysis Centre, said this in its preliminary statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by its Director, Dr Dauda Garuba, and Chairman of its EAC, Prof. Victor Adetula.

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The centre said it monitored the election across Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas, 332 registration areas and 3,763 polling units.

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It said its findings were based on reports from field observers and reviews of credible media reports across the state.

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

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It said officials arrived at the remaining 10.9 per cent of observed polling units between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

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The centre said INEC reported that 3,556 polling units, representing 94.5 per cent, had opened by 8:30 a.m.

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However, it identified delays in some locations, including Ife Central and Aiyedire Local Government Areas.

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CDD-EAC said a political party agent reportedly had possession of the voters’ register before INEC officials arrived at Ife Central, requiring clarification.

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The centre also reported operational challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including slow processing and difficulties with biometric verification.

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

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CDD-EAC urged INEC to provide functional backup equipment and prompt technical support when BVAS malfunctions.

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The centre also raised concerns about vote buying, saying observers reported vote solicitation around polling units in Ilesa East and Ola Oluwa.

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It said media reports also alleged vote buying involving agents of APC and Accord at a polling unit in Irewole Local Government Area.

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CDD-EAC said an individual was arrested by ICPC personnel in Irepodun for allegedly possessing signed paper tallies.

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It urged relevant agencies, including ICPC, EFCC and the police, to investigate credible allegations of vote buying and prosecute established violations.

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On security, the centre said voting remained peaceful in many locations but expressed concern over violent incidents reported in Ejigbo and Modakeke.

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It said suspected thugs disrupted voting at Ejigbo Ward 4, Polling Unit 13, where ADC governorship candidate Najeem Salaam voted.

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The centre also said allegations of voters being tear-gassed in Modakeke and Obokun should be independently investigated.

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CDD-EAC called on security agencies to remain politically neutral, exercise restraint and protect voters regardless of political affiliation.

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It commended Osun voters, INEC officials and security personnel, while stressing that isolated violence, vote buying and technical challenges should not be dismissed.

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The centre said it would continue monitoring voting, counting and collation before issuing a comprehensive post-election assessment.

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