UK High Commission Confirms Vote-Buying, BVAS Failures In Osun Governorship Election | Sahara Reporters

The British mission said its observations were broadly consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups that deployed wider teams across the state.

The British High Commission has warned Nigeria over persistent vote-buying, voter interference, and failures associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) following the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

The commission, however, commended the peaceful conduct of voters and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.

The commission, in a statement issued on Monday, said its accredited observers monitored the election after engaging with a range of stakeholders ahead of polling day.

The British mission said its observations were broadly consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups that deployed wider teams across the state.

It identified several positive aspects of the election, including the opening of polling units as scheduled in many locations, the efforts of security personnel to maintain order and the implementation of electoral procedures by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the British High Commission said the election was not without challenges, pointing to reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process.

It also singled out voter interference, including vote-buying across political parties, as a significant challenge requiring urgent attention.

“We note reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process and the significant remaining challenge of voter interference, including vote-buying, across party lines,” the commission said.

The commission further raised concerns about difficulties experienced by persons with disabilities and elderly voters in accessing polling facilities.

It also said overcrowding occurred at some polling locations because of the speed and limited provision of BVAS devices for voter accreditation.

Over the weekend, our team from the British High Commission observed the Osun Gubernatorial Election across the state.
Please see our statement below.👇 pic.twitter.com/hK15EoGgB2
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@UKinNigeria) August 17, 2026

“We also note continued issues with access for people with disabilities and for elderly people, as well as overcrowding due to the speed and limited provision of BVAS devices for accreditation,” the commission added.

The UK mission urged relevant Nigerian institutions to carefully review the problems recorded during the election and implement lessons that could improve public confidence in the electoral process.

It specifically referenced recommendations from credible civil society organisations, including the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, as useful in strengthening transparency and accountability.

The British High Commission also warned that the lessons from the Osun election would be important as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

It noted that off-cycle elections benefit from additional personnel and resources that could be more difficult to replicate during nationwide elections.

“We nevertheless hope that the experience of the Osun election will help inform further improvements that strengthen the integrity, inclusiveness and credibility of future electoral processes,” the commission said.

The commission reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s electoral institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

It said the UK would also continue supporting efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions underpinning Nigeria’s electoral system.