INEC Accredited Observer Group, VAI Commends 2026 Osun Guber Election

INEC Accredited Observer Group, VAI Commends 2026 Osun Guber Election

By Our Reporter

A Civil Society Organization and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited observer organization for the recently concluded Osun State Gubernatorial Election of 15th August 2026, under the aegis of Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), has commended the peaceful and credible conduct of the exercise, describing it as a reaffirmation of Nigeria's peoples confidence in democracy which is non- negotiable.

The organization made this declaration in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, stating that, "The successful and credible conduct of the Osun State gubernatorial election epitomized by the huge turnout of voters, is a testament of the people's confidence in Nigeria's democracy."

VAI particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his statesmanship, fatherly disposition and admonition to all the stakeholders to play by the rules in order to deepen the nation's democracy, noting that the president had once again demonstrated his faithfulness and irrevocable commitment to democratic tenets which stands unquestionable.

"President Bola Tinubu has once again demonstrated his faithfulness and irrevocable commitment to democratic tenets which stands unquestionable," the group said.

The group spectacularly commended INEC for it's excellent conduct of a free, fair and credible election whose outcome reflected the will of the people as expressed at the polls.

According to it, INEC personnel and materials arrived in about 97per cent of the polling stations across the state between 7am-7.30am and accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously.

"We observed the functionality of the BVAS machines to accredit voters at polling stations which from our analysis recorded over 95% success rate, as well as the conduct of the electoral officers who displayed a good understanding of their mandate in the discharge of their functions on election day. We also note for commendation, that the few isolated cases of the non functionality of the BVAS machines in a few polling stations, which were promptly replaced to allow for a seamless exercise.

"We must also commend the voters in Osun State for trooping out enmase on election day to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice in an atmosphere devoid of fear, harassment and intimidation.

"The confidence reposed in our electoral system is unmistakable due to the large turnout of voters which is a testimonial of the peoples confidence that their votes count and it counted with the outcome as announced by the electoral umpire after the conclusion of the exercise.

"The security agencies were lauded for their professionalism, impartiality and patriotism in the discharge of their duties which contributed in no small measure to the success and credibility of the election.

"The unarmed security officials at the polling stations, motorized patrols as well as strategic road blocks to curtail illegal movements except for those on electoral and essential duties, sent a clear signal to trouble makers to stay off the election, which was heeded.

"Political party agents present at the polling stations must also be praised for their orderly and civil conduct, which ensured the peaceful conduct of the election," the group stated.

Speaking further, VAI also commended the media, local and international observers for their professional, unbiased and diligent execution of their responsibilities in line with the rules of engagement.

It asserted that the peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible conduct of the 2026 Osun State Gubernatorial Poll once again signposted the depth of Nigeria's democracy and reaffirmed the peoples confidence in sustaining it, notwithstanding the mudslinging, campaign of blackmail and calumny against it from expected quarters.

"The peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible conduct of the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election has once again signposted the depth of Nigeria's democracy and reaffirmed the peoples confidence in sustaining it, notwithstanding the mudslinging, campaign of blackmail and calumny against it from expected quarters," the group concluded.