The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the Osun State governorship election, saying the commission passed the litmus test with the outcome of the poll.

BON, in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose, described the election as transparent, free, fair and credible, saying the conduct could provide a model for subsequent elections in the country if the gains are sustained and improved upon.

The organisation said the Osun election represented a major test for the electoral commission, particularly in its ability to deliver a credible poll.

“The Osun State Governorship election was the real litmus test for INEC. The outcome, if improved upon, could serve as a model for subsequent elections in the country,” it said.

BON commended INEC for deploying what was required to ensure the successful conduct of the election, adding that the commission deserved commendation for its efforts towards ensuring a free and fair process.

It praised the security agencies for providing adequate security before and during the election, saying their efforts helped to minimise tension and criminality.

The organisation, however, urged INEC and other relevant agencies to ensure that persons found to have committed electoral offences are prosecuted.

The broadcasting body said the prosecution of electoral offenders was necessary to deter others and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

“We therefore call on INEC and other relevant agencies to ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of all offenders,” BON said.

BON urged the authorities to build on the lessons from the Osun election and ensure that subsequent elections in the country are conducted with greater transparency, fairness and credibility.

The commendation followed the August 15 governorship election in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party secured a second term in office, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes across the 30 local government areas of the state, while Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, secured 444,815 votes, giving the incumbent a winning margin of 66,252 votes.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of the 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won the remaining 11. The result returned Adeleke to office for another four-year term and widened his margin over the APC compared with the 2022 election.