UK Hails Peaceful Osun Election, Flags Vote-Buying, BVAS Challenges

The British High Commission has commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful participation in the August 15 governorship election and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.

The high commission, in a statement, said its accredited observers monitored the election and identified several positive developments in the conduct of the poll.

“The British High Commission commends the people of Osun State for their peaceful and active participation in the 15 August 2026 governorship election and congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, the British High Commission had engaged with various stakeholders before election day and deployed its own team of accredited observers across the state.

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It said its observations were consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups that monitored the election on a wider scale.

The commission noted that polling units in many locations opened as scheduled, while security personnel largely maintained order and INEC officials effectively implemented electoral procedures.

“Most of all, we were encouraged by the patience, resilience and participation demonstrated by voters throughout the day,” the statement said.

However, the British High Commission raised concerns over some challenges recorded before and during the election, including reported isolated incidents that created tension and cases of voter interference.

It specifically identified vote-buying as a major concern, noting that the practice remained prevalent “across party lines.”

The commission also highlighted difficulties faced by persons with disabilities and elderly voters in accessing polling units.

It further expressed concern over overcrowding in some polling locations, which it attributed to the speed and limited availability of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used for voter accreditation.

“We note reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process and the significant remaining challenge of voter interference, including vote-buying, across party lines,” the statement said.

The British High Commission urged relevant institutions to examine the challenges observed during the election and implement lessons that could improve future polls.

It called for the recommendations of credible election monitoring organisations, including the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, to be considered in strengthening public confidence, transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the commission noted that off-cycle elections such as the Osun poll benefit from additional personnel and resources that could be more difficult to deploy during nationwide elections.

It nevertheless expressed hope that lessons from the Osun election would contribute to improvements in the conduct of future elections.

The UK said it remained committed to working with Nigeria’s electoral institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

It also reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at strengthening the democratic institutions underpinning Nigeria’s electoral system.