Osun Decides: Situation Room Raises Concern Over Vote-Buying, BVAS Setbacks During Poll

Concerns have been raised over vote-buying, electoral inducement, and logistical challenges that affected parts of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, despite the largely peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state.

According to a post by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Monday, several issues observed during the election, including vote-buying, delays in voting, congestion at some polling units and challenges associated with the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System were highlighted.

The Situation Room said its observers were deployed across the 30 local government areas of the state, while additional reports were received through its Election Accountability Tracker and partner organisations.

It said voting generally commenced peacefully, with voters arriving early at polling units to exercise their franchise. However, the group noted that some locations experienced delays and congestion.

According to the Situation Room, inadequate BVAS deployment in some polling units with large numbers of registered voters resulted in prolonged waiting times, potentially affecting some voters’ ability to participate in the process.

The group cited a polling unit in Ila-Orangun where more than 1,100 voters were reportedly registered, but only one BVAS device was available.

It also reported technical difficulties in some polling units in Ilesa West, where ink pads failed to print properly because of inadequate ink. The issue was subsequently escalated to electoral officials and resolved.

The Situation Room further raised concerns about electoral inducement, reporting instances of vote-buying and the distribution of food and drinks to voters.

At a polling unit in Isokan Local Government Area, the group said the sharing of jollof rice and drinks led to disorderliness.

It stressed that the credibility of an election could be undermined when voters are pressured or induced with money, gifts or other benefits in exchange for their votes.

The civil society coalition also reported isolated security-related incidents, including the alleged harassment of one of its observers by party agents in Boripe Local Government Area and disruption allegedly caused by thugs in Irewole Local Government Area.

It, however, commended election officials for their professionalism and said security personnel were adequately deployed at the polling units observed.

The Situation Room also drew attention to accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities, noting that some polling units had physical barriers such as gutters and staircases.

It called for improved arrangements to ensure vulnerable voters and persons with disabilities can participate fully in future elections.

The group said the collation and management of results remained a critical stage of the electoral process and urged all stakeholders to ensure transparency and accuracy in the handling of results.

It further called on political actors and their supporters to pursue any disputes through legal and administrative channels rather than resorting to violence or disruption.