Dataphyte Alleges Harassment Of Election Observer In Osun

The Dataphyte Foundation has alleged that one of its accredited election observers was harassed while documenting the electoral process at the Ikire G Registration Area Centre (RAC), ADC Primary School, Oke Ada, in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

In a statement signed by its Country Director, Oluseyi Olufemi, the organisation said the incident occurred between 6:30am and 7:30am on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the observer monitored the deployment of electoral officials and materials ahead of voting.

According to Dataphyte, the observer was first questioned by a polling unit official over why he was documenting the process before a man identified as Oyeleye Tajudeen, described as the Chairman of Ward 7 in Irewole Local Government Area, approached him.

The organisation alleged that Oyeleye shouted at the observer while individuals accompanying him physically assaulted the observer in the presence of security officials.

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Dataphyte further alleged that five security officials subsequently brought out handcuffs to arrest the observer and seized his phone and backpack.

The organisation said its intervention and discussions with officials led to the Electoral Officer in charge of the RAC, Oladunjoye Adeyemi Wole, confirming that the observer was accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, Dataphyte alleged that the security officials retained the observer’s phone, deleted photographs and videos he had taken, and ordered him to leave the premises and the town.

The organisation also alleged that Oyeleye later contacted Dataphyte and threatened to have the observer leave Ikire and its environs.

“He also advised Dataphyte to withdraw its observers from the area, warning that failure to do so could result in them being taken to Abuja, arrested or harassed,” the statement said.

Dataphyte said the incident was contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said affirm the right of accredited observers to document electoral activities and election materials.

It cited Section 41(4) of the Act, which provides that “Polling agents who are in attendance at a polling unit may be entitled, before the commencement of the election, to have originals of electoral materials to be used by the Commission for the election inspected, and this process may be recorded as evidence in writing, on video or by other means by any Polling Agent, accredited observer or official of the Commission.”

The organisation said the provision “clearly affirms the right of our observer, who is accredited under INEC, to document how election materials and officers are deployed to polling units.”

Dataphyte also said the alleged harassment contravened INEC’s Guidelines for Election Observation, which grant accredited observers the right to observe and document electoral activities.

The organisation called on INEC to investigate the incident and identify those allegedly involved in the harassment of its observer.

“Dataphyte calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the incident and identify the individuals who harassed its accredited election observer,” the statement said.

It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the alleged assault, threats and other actions against the observer and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable.

The organisation said the incident highlighted the need to protect accredited observers and ensure they are able to carry out their duties without intimidation during elections.