#OsunDecides2026: Governorship poll largely peaceful despite reports of vote-buying, BVAS glitches

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) states that the 2026 Osun governorship election was mostly peaceful, despite reports of vote-buying, technical difficulties, and isolated incidents of violence.

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CDD-West Africa, through its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC), announced this in its initial statement, issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by its Director, Dauda Garuba, and the Chair of the EAC, Victor Adetula.

The centre monitored the election across Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas, 332 registration areas, and 3,763 polling units.

Its findings were based on reports from field observers and credible media coverage throughout the state.

According to CDD-EAC, INEC’s deployment was mostly successful, with 89.1 per cent of observed polling units recording officials arriving before 8:30 a.m.

The remaining 10.9 per cent of observed polling units saw officials arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

The centre reported that INEC indicated 3,556 polling units, or 94.5 per cent, had opened by 8:30 a.m.

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However, some delays were noted in locations such as Ife Central and Aiyedire LGAs.

CDD-EAC also mentioned that a party agent reportedly held the voters’ register before INEC officials arrived at a polling station in Ife Central, requiring clarification.

BVAS challenges

The centre highlighted operational issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), mainly slow processing and difficulties with biometric verification.

BVAS problems were reported in Irepodun, Ejigbo, Obokun, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ola Oluwa, Ede North, and Ede South LGAs.

It urged INEC to provide functional backup equipment and prompt technical support in the event of BVAS malfunctions.

The centre also raised concerns about vote-buying, with observers noting solicitation of votes around polling stations in Ilesa East and Ola Oluwa.

Media reports also alleged vote-buying involving agents of the APC and Accord at a polling station in the Irewole LGA.

ALSO READ: #OsunDecides2026: BVAS malfunction in more PUs in Osun – CJID

CDD-EAC reported that ICPC officials detained an individual in Irepodun for allegedly possessing signed paper tallies.

It called on relevant agencies, including ICPC, EFCC, and the police, to investigate these credible allegations and prosecute proven violations.

Security concerns

On security, the centre observed that voting remained peaceful in many areas but expressed concern over violent episodes reported in Ejigbo and Modakeke.

Suspected thugs disrupted voting at Ejigbo Ward 4, Polling Unit 13, where the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, cast his vote.

It also reported allegations of voters being tear-gassed in Modakeke and Obokun, which should be independently investigated.

CDD-EAC urged security agencies to stay politically neutral, exercise restraint, and protect voters regardless of political allegiance.

It commended Osun voters, INEC officials, and security personnel but emphasised that isolated violence, vote-buying, and technical issues should not be overlooked.

The centre stated that it would continue to monitor the process and provide a comprehensive post-election report.