Election monitoring organization Yiaga Africa has voiced serious apprehension regarding the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial race. The group cautioned that issues such as violence, hate speech, and the purchasing of votes may compromise the integrity of the polling process.
Speaking to the press in Osogbo, Asmau Sani Maikudi, representing the group’s Watching the Votes initiative, noted that pre-election unrest threatens to lower voter turnout. Maikudi demanded a transparent and peaceful process, while condemning the use of inflammatory rhetoric and thuggery by certain political figures. She urged law enforcement to address these threats immediately.
Furthermore, the group reported instances of politicians handing out cash and groceries to sway voters. Maikudi described these actions as a direct danger to the democratic process. Regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission, the group requested that officials resolve potential technical failures related to the distribution of electoral materials.
Maikudi also called on security personnel to maintain strict neutrality. To ensure oversight, Yiaga Africa plans to place 332 observers throughout the 30 local government areas in Osun State.
