Election observers have hailed the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election as largely peaceful, while noting BVAS hitches recorded in parts of the state.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the observers led by the Public and Private Development Centre, PPDC, and partners including BISIGI Africa, IICSD, MOWALEK Centre, OGP Osun Chapter, Diamond FM 88.5 Ilesha, and USHAF Nigeria said the conduct of the poll was largely orderly despite some technical and turnout challenges.

The coalition, which deployed 450 trained observers across all 30 Local Government Areas and more than 900 polling units, said the election recorded encouraging participation from young voters and timely opening of polling units.

According to the observers, more than 75% of polling units opened between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

“However, turnout remained low. Of Osun’s 2,339,233 registered voters, 81.5% collected their Permanent Voter Cards. Yet only 1,005,800 people voted, representing 43% of registered voters.

“The strong presence of young people is encouraging. However, the low overall turnout shows that more needs to be done to encourage citizens to participate,” the coalition said.

The observers said 40% of their deployed members reported BVAS-related hitches, including slow processing and difficulties with fingerprint or facial authentication.

LGAs where the issues were recorded include Irewole, Ifelodun, Boluwaduro, Osogbo, Irepodun, Ejigbo and Aiyedire. Elderly voters were said to be the most affected.

“In some areas, delays pushed voting late into the evening. Cited locations include Ward 03, PU 01 in Atakunmosa East; Ward 01, PU 007 in Atakunmosa West; and Awolowo Hall PU in Ife Central,” the statement said.

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the coalition urged INEC and stakeholders to strengthen transparency and accountability at polling and collation stages.

They specifically urged INEC to “strengthen electoral technology and logistics, particularly BVAS and result-management systems, through adequate testing, reliable power and network support, backup devices and timely technical assistance.”

Security agencies were also called upon to maintain neutrality, improve coordination and respond promptly to violence, intimidation, vote buying and other electoral offences, while protecting voters, officials, journalists and observers.