TMG commends INEC, residents, others on success of Osun gubernatorial election

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has lauded the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

In a statement titled, “Post-Election Statement on the Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, July 2022,” signed by its Chairman, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, the group praised the electoral body for complying with the provisions of the Electoral Act, especially with regards to improving inclusivity by providing assistive technology for persons with disabilities, and for efficient election logistics arrangements, which saw the early deployment of officials and materials to the polling units across the state.

The group also commended the media and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring peaceful and non-violent elections and the people of the state for an inclusive and participatory election.

“The 2022 Osun governorship election had generated much interest in the country just like the recently-concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

“The off-season elections generated high expectations among citizens, not just in Ekiti and Osun states, but all over the country as it was expected to reflect citizens’ expectations towards the general elections in 2023, especially with regards to the reforms instituted by the new Electoral Act, 2022 as amended,” the statement stated.

TMG, which observed the electioneering process, expressed satisfaction with the high level of voters’ mobilisation by the media and civil society groups.

It noted voters’ availability to exercise their franchise in the election debates and thereby contributing to ensuring critical interactions with citizens as part of entrenching issue-based campaigns.

On vote-buying, Rafsanjani insisted that voters must resist selling their future because it doesn’t provide good governance, and transparent and accountable leadership.

e group, however, urged security operatives to conduct themselves with the highest decorum to ensure the trust of the electorate during subsequent elections.