Yiaga Africa praises voter vigilance in Osun election, calls for BVAS audit
Election observer group Yiaga Africa stated that voter vigilance was crucial in preventing result manipulation during Saturday's governorship election in Osun State. The group noted that citizens remained at polling units and followed results to collation centers, ensuring accuracy. Yiaga Africa described the election as a significant demonstration of how technology, citizen vigilance, and institutional preparedness can enhance electoral integrity. Its statistical estimates closely matched the official results from the Independent National Electoral Commission, indicating that declared figures reflected votes counted at polling units. Dr. Asmau Maikudi, Chairperson of the Osun Election Observation Mission of Yiaga Africa, highlighted that the August 15 poll was a defining test of the Electoral Act 2026, demonstrating that credible outcomes are possible when institutions, technology, and citizens collaborate. Despite challenges like attacks on PVC collection centers and political violence, voters participated, with a 43% turnout. Yiaga Africa also observed improvements in election-day logistics, with 96% of polling units opening by 9:30 am. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS worked in 80% of polling units and was fixed in the remaining 20%. The group recommended a technical audit of BVAS, clearer guidance on downloadable Permanent Voter Cards, improved training for ad hoc staff, and stronger enforcement against vote buying ahead of the 2027 elections.
