The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH) says it has deployed 843 observers for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun to monitor proceedings closely.
The Hub also identified vote-buying, political violence and disinformation as major threats to the credibility of the poll, warning that the issues could undermine confidence in the electoral process nationwide.
Jake Epelle of TAF Africa and Brenda Anugwom, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), spoke on behalf of the EU-SDGN EOH on Friday in Osogbo, Osun.
The Hub comprises the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), International Press Centre (IPC), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre (TKC) and Yiaga Africa, as six members.
The election observation groups said the election would provide another test of Nigeria’s new electoral legal framework ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly its implementation and safeguards for credible polling.
The Hub said its observers would operate independently and without partisan influence, emphasising adherence to internationally recognised observation principles while monitoring developments across Osun during Saturday’s election and reporting findings promptly.
“As one of the election observation groups accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cover the election, the EU-SDGN EOH affirms its commitment to the principles of independence, impartiality and non-partisanship, which are the foundation of credible election observation.
“The Hub will observe, document and report on the electoral process in strict adherence to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation,” the group said.
The Hub, however, raised concerns over INEC’s electronic transmission and collation of results, calling for greater transparency, particularly around backend validation before results were published on INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
On security, the Hub classified Osogbo and Irewole Local Government Areas as critical-risk areas, while Boripe, Obokun, Ilesa West, Ife Central, Ife North and Iwo were rated high-risk for Saturday’s poll.
Ede North, Ifedayo, Ilesa East, Isokan and Irepodun were also rated high-risk, while the remaining 17 Local Government Areas were classified as moderate- or low-risk areas by the Hub across Osun.
It attributed the risks to organised political violence involving party-aligned thugs and youth groups, the unresolved dispute over control of local government secretariats, and criminal activities exploiting the political environment locally.
The EU-SDGN EOH expressed concern over allegations of misuse of force, police brutality, illegal arrests and extrajudicial killings, urging security agencies to remain professional, neutral and impartial throughout the election.
The Hub called on political parties and candidates to respect the July 30 Peace Accord, accept INEC’s declared outcome and pursue grievances through lawful judicial channels rather than violence or self-help.
It also urged voters to turn out early, vote according to their conscience, and resist intimidation, coercion and inducement, while encouraging all participants to protect the peaceful conduct of the election.(NAN)
