The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH) has reported 323 cases of electoral offences and irregularities during the ongoing Osun State governorship election as of noon on Saturday.
The observation exercise covered 726 polling units out of the 823 polling units where the Hub deployed observers across the state.
Vote trading topped the list, with observers recording 103 cases. Other reported irregularities included 85 incidents involving exposure of ballot papers, 38 cases of campaigning at polling units, 31 cases of obstruction of voters, 28 cases of inducement of polling and security officials, 14 cases of voter impersonation, 12 cases of multiple voting and seven cases of misconduct by election officials.
The observers also documented 38 security incidents, including reports of thuggery, attacks on electoral officials and voter intimidation. Despite these incidents, the Hub said voting was generally peaceful and orderly in most of the locations observed.
BVAS glitches recorded
The EU-SDGN EOH also raised concerns over technical challenges involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
According to the observers, 58 of the 726 BVAS devices monitored malfunctioned, representing about 7.9 per cent. However, 41 of the affected devices, or 70.7 per cent, were successfully repaired, enabling accreditation to continue in the affected polling units.
The Hub further reported that polling materials and officials arrived at most of the observed locations on time, although some polling units experienced delays. Complete electoral materials were available between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in 608 observed polling units, representing 83.7 per cent of the units where the relevant data was recorded.
EU observers call for calm
The EU-SDGN EOH urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to remain calm and respect the electoral process while awaiting the official declaration of results.
It advised any candidate or party dissatisfied with the outcome to pursue grievances through lawful and judicial channels, in line with the Peace Accord signed by political stakeholders on July 30, 2026.
The findings are likely to intensify scrutiny of the Osun election, particularly over vote buying, electoral misconduct, security and the reliability of technology deployed for voter accreditation.
The observers, however, noted that the general environment remained conducive for journalists and election monitors, with no major threats against the press reported in the areas observed.
Source: EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub / reports from Nigerian media.
