British High Commission Reports Irregularities in Osun Election

The British High Commission raised concerns regarding vote-buying, voter interference, and technical failures of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) following the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. In a statement issued on Monday, the commission reported that limited BVAS provision caused overcrowding and created access difficulties for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

Despite these irregularities, the commission commended the peaceful participation of voters and the efforts of security personnel and the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain order. The British mission congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.

The commission urged Nigerian institutions to review these failures to improve transparency and accountability before the 2027 general elections. It noted that resources available for off-cycle elections are harder to replicate on a nationwide scale and cited recommendations from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room as useful for future improvements.