Osun State Governorship Election: INEC's Preparedness Under Scrutiny by Yiaga Africa

• Yiaga Africa's Watching The Vote (WTV) Working Group evaluated INEC's preparedness for the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
• Logistical challenges emerged, including delays in deploying sensitive election materials and activating Registration Area Centres (RACs).
• The presence of party agents was also evaluated during the visits, with some areas reporting a lack of representation from certain political parties.
• INEC officials reported that security personnel were present to secure electoral materials and officials in Ejigbo Local Government Area.
• Ede North Local Government Area still had election materials being sorted as late as 11 a.m. on Friday.

However, logistical challenges emerged, with some areas still sorting election materials as late as 11 a.m. on Friday.

Ahead of the Osun State governorship election, which has since concluded, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faced scrutiny over its preparedness and logistical arrangements. Yiaga Africa's Watching The Vote (WTV) Working Group evaluated INEC's readiness for the recently concluded poll, focusing on the deployment of sensitive election materials and the activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs). According to reports, INEC officials in selected local government areas were working around the clock to ensure a smooth electoral process. However, logistical challenges emerged, with some areas still sorting election materials as late as 11 a.m. on Friday.

The WTV Working Group's assessment highlighted potential electoral irregularities in the Osun State governorship election. INEC officials reported logistical challenges, including delays in deploying sensitive election materials and activating RACs. The presence of party agents was also evaluated during the visits, with some areas reporting a lack of representation from certain political parties. In Ejigbo Local Government Area, for instance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) agent initially present at the INEC office left without providing a replacement. This raised concerns about the potential for electoral irregularities and the need for close monitoring by lawyers and compliance officers.

The WTV Working Group's assessment of INEC offices in selected local government areas provided valuable insights into the electoral process. In Ejigbo Local Government Area, officials reported that sensitive election materials had arrived early on Friday morning, with security personnel present to secure the materials and officials. However, in Ede North Local Government Area, officials were still sorting election materials as late as 11 a.m. on Friday, highlighting logistical preparations. The activation of RACs was also crucial, as they serve as points from which election officials proceed to their respective polling stations before voting starts.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the Osun State governorship election for potential electoral irregularities, particularly in light of INEC's reported logistical challenges in deploying sensitive election materials and activating Registration Area Centres.

Source: Original reporting via Yiaga Africa