By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), a civil society organisation and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-accredited observer group, has commended the peaceful conduct of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.
VAI said the election was free, fair and credible, describing the exercise as a reaffirmation of voters’ confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The organisation made its position known in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, August 18, by its Director of Media and Publicity, Nelson Ekujumi.
It said the large turnout of voters and the peaceful atmosphere at polling units demonstrated that Nigerians remained committed to the democratic process.
VAI also commended President Bola Tinubu for encouraging stakeholders to play by the rules, saying his position contributed to efforts to deepen democracy.
VAI Commends INEC for Credible Conduct of Poll
VAI praised INEC for what it described as the free, fair and credible conduct of the election, saying the outcome reflected the choice of voters at the polls.
The group said its observers found that INEC personnel and election materials arrived at about 97 per cent of polling stations across the state between 7:00am and 7:30am.
It also reported that accreditation and voting began simultaneously at the polling stations observed by its teams.
According to VAI, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) recorded more than 95 per cent functionality during the election, while electoral officers demonstrated a good understanding of their responsibilities.
The group noted that where BVAS machines failed at a few polling stations, the affected machines were promptly replaced, allowing the voting process to continue.
Security Agencies, Party Agents Praised for Peaceful Conduct
VAI commended the security agencies for what it described as professionalism, impartiality and patriotism during the election.
It said the deployment of unarmed security personnel at polling stations, motorised patrols and strategic roadblocks helped restrict illegal movements and deter potential troublemakers.
The organisation said the security arrangements contributed to an atmosphere in which voters could participate without fear, harassment or intimidation.
Political party agents at polling stations were also praised for what VAI described as orderly and civil conduct throughout the voting process.
The group said the conduct of security personnel and party agents contributed to the peaceful completion of the election across the state.
Voters, Media and Observers Commended for Peaceful Poll
VAI praised voters in Osun State for turning out to cast their ballots for candidates of their choice despite concerns that had preceded the election.
The organisation said the turnout showed that voters believed their participation could influence the outcome of the election.
It also commended local and international observers, as well as the media, for carrying out their responsibilities professionally and in line with the rules of engagement.
VAI said the peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible conduct of the election had strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The organisation said the experience demonstrated the importance of continued participation and adherence to democratic rules, adding that it remained confident in the ability of Nigerians to sustain the country’s democratic system.
