UK Commends Osun Election, Urges Lessons for 2027

The British High Commission commended the conduct of the Osun governorship election and congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as governor. In a statement issued on Monday, the High Commission noted their engagement with various stakeholders prior to the election and the deployment of their own team of accredited observers.

They observed several positive signs of a democratic process, including timely poll openings, security personnel's commitment to order, and effective electoral procedures by INEC officials. However, they also reported isolated incidents of voter interference, vote-buying, limited access for people with disabilities and the elderly, and overcrowding due to the limited provision of BVAS devices.

The High Commission urged relevant institutions to review these issues to enhance public confidence and accountability. They expressed hope that the lessons learned from the Osun election would inform improvements for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Nigeria's electoral institutions and civil society.