The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in furtherance of its commitment to democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, human rights and credible electoral processes, deployed an Election Observation Group to monitor the Osun State Governorship Election held on Saturday, 15 August 2026. The NBA Election Working Group, led by its Chairman, Mr Festus Okoye, and the General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, Esq., observed the conduct of the election across selected locations and has now issued its report on the exercise.
The NBA commends voters, INEC officials, security personnel, political parties, candidates, party agents, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their contributions to the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the election. The Group particularly noted the presence of security personnel and party agents, the relatively timely arrival of INEC officials and election materials, the absence of significant security incidents in the areas observed, and encouraging voter participation. However, the NBA identified recurring challenges associated with the BVAS, including slow processing, fingerprint and facial recognition difficulties, temporary equipment failures and difficulties experienced by some elderly voters, stressing the need for urgent attention to the reliability and accessibility of election technology.
The NBA therefore calls on INEC to “conduct a comprehensive post- election review of the conduct of the election and, particularly, the performance of the BVAS, to address the challenges identified and strengthen future electoral processes.”
The full report of the NBA Election Working Group is attached below for detailed consideration.
REPORT OF THE OSUN STATE ELECTION 2026
Bridget Edokwe, Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association
