NBA Election Working Group Flags BVAS Failures in Osun Governorship Poll Report

Peaceful Conduct Commended

The Nigerian Bar Association deployed an Election Observation Group to monitor the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, and has now released its report on the exercise. The Election Working Group, led by its Chairman, Festus Okoye, and the General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, observed proceedings across selected polling locations in the state. In its report, the NBA commended voters, INEC officials, security personnel, political parties, candidates, party agents and civil society groups for their roles in what it described as a generally peaceful and orderly exercise. The Group specifically noted the visible presence of security operatives and party agents, the relatively timely arrival of INEC officials and materials, and the absence of any major security breaches in the areas its observers covered.

BVAS Challenges Persist

Despite the largely calm atmosphere, the report highlighted recurring technical difficulties with the Bicontinental Voter Accreditation System. Observers recorded instances of slow processing, failures in fingerprint and facial recognition, and temporary equipment breakdowns that delayed accreditation in some units. The report noted that elderly voters were disproportionately affected by these glitches, with several struggling to complete accreditation within a reasonable time. This is consistent with findings from independent election monitors, who separately reported BVAS malfunctions, voting delays and isolated disputes between voters and election officials in multiple local government areas across the state on election day.

NBA Calls for Post-Election Review

Given the recurring technology issues, the NBA has formally called on INEC to carry out a comprehensive post-election review of the BVAS system's performance, with a particular focus on addressing the accessibility and reliability concerns raised by observers. The Association reiterated its commitment to supporting credible, transparent electoral processes across Nigeria and said its Election Working Group would continue to document findings from future elections to guide advocacy for electoral reform. The full report has been made available for further review by stakeholders.