ABUJA, NIGERIA — The British High Commission in Nigeria has commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful participation in the August 15 governorship election and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, while also raising concerns about vote-buying and accessibility challenges.
In a statement issued on Monday, the High Commission said it deployed accredited observers to the election after engaging with various stakeholders ahead of the poll. Its observations, which were consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups, showed several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process.
According to the statement, polling commenced as scheduled in many locations, security personnel maintained order, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission effectively implemented electoral procedures. The High Commission also commended voters for the patience, resilience, and participation they demonstrated throughout election day.
“Based on their observations, and consistent with the findings of credible independent observer groups with wider deployments across the state, we welcome several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process,” the statement read. “This includes the opening of polls as scheduled in many locations, the commitment of security personnel to maintaining order, and the effective implementation of electoral procedures by INEC officials. Most of all, we were encouraged by the patience, resilience and participation demonstrated by voters throughout the day.”
However, the High Commission also noted reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the election, as well as the significant remaining challenge of vote-buying across party lines. It also raised concerns about access to polling units for persons with disabilities and elderly voters, as well as overcrowding arising from the speed and limited availability of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices for accreditation.
“We note reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process and the significant remaining challenge of vote-buying, across party lines,” the statement said. “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 High Commission urged relevant institutions to review the issues carefully and draw lessons from the election, including recommendations by credible organisations such as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room. It said such measures would help strengthen public confidence, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the High Commission noted that off-cycle elections benefit from additional personnel and resources that may be more difficult to replicate during nationwide elections. It nevertheless expressed hope that lessons from the Osun election would inform further improvements aimed at strengthening the integrity, inclusiveness, and credibility of future elections.
Governor Adeleke, who was declared winner of the election by INEC on Sunday, has since received congratulatory messages from various local and international figures. In a related development, Adeleke also announced that he has instructed the Osun State Attorney-General to drop the suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, signalling a potential shift in the state’s relationship with the anti-graft agency.
The British High Commission’s statement concludes on a note of optimism, encouraging continued dialogue and reform to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral processes become increasingly robust, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the people.
