The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has raised concerns over logistical delays, technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), vote trading and isolated security incidents recorded during the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
In its preliminary assessment of the election, KDI said its findings were based on reports transmitted and analysed through its Election Day Data Room (EDDR) by accredited observers deployed across the state. The organisation stressed that the statement was an early assessment and not a final verdict on the conduct or outcome of the election.
KDI deployed 370 trained and accredited observers across all 30 Local Government Areas, 332 wards and 1,660 polling units in Osun State. The deployment comprised 332 stationary observers, 30 rov observers and eight faculty members responsible for senior-level oversight and verification of field reports.
Delayed commencement of voting
One of the major concerns identified by KDI was the delayed arrival of election officials.
According to the organisation, 56.1 per cent of polling units reporting to its data room recorded the arrival of INEC officials early or on time, while 43 per cent experienced late arrival.
KDI said the delays affected the timely commencement of voting in some locations and underscored the need for further improvement in election logistics.
BVAS records 84.7% success rate
The observers also reported technical challenges involving the BVAS, although the overall accreditation performance was relatively high.
KDI recorded an 84.7 per cent BVAS success rate, meaning that about 15.3 per cent of accreditation attempts encountered difficulties in the preliminary data available to the organization.
The findings reinforce the importance of strengthening the reliability of election technology, particularly given the central role of BVAS in voter accreditation.
Vote trading and political interference
Beyond logistical and technological issues, KDI’s monitoring also identified concerns around the integrity of the voting process.
The organisation documented 19 suspected cases of vote trading, while 17 incidents involving alleged interference by party agents were recorded. Seven reported cases involved alleged interference by security personnel
The reports add to wider concerns raised during the election about inducement of voters and attempts by political actors to influence voting behaviour.
Security concerns
KDI also reported isolated incidents of violence and intimidation during the electoral process.
Reports from the election included disruptions at some polling and collation locations, clashes and gunshots in isolated areas, as well as alleged attempts to interfere with election materials. These incidents occurred despite the generally peaceful atmosphere reported across many parts of the state.
The organisation’s monitoring therefore highlights the continuing need for security agencies to maintain neutrality, protect voters and election personnel, and respond promptly to threats capable of undermining the electoral process.
KDI: Preliminary assessment, not final verdict
KDI emphasised that its preliminary statement should not be interpreted as a final assessment of the election.
The organisation said it would continue to receive, verify, clean and analyse reports covering voting, counting, collation and other indicators before issuing a comprehensive assessment.
Its deployment and monitoring approach reflects a broader effort to strengthen citizen participation, electoral accountability and evidence-based advocacy in Nigeria’s democratic process.
For Societal Concerns, the KDI findings underscore a mixed picture: while the election recorded substantial operational successes, particularly in BVAS functionality and the broad deployment of election personnel, persistent challenges around logistics, vote trading, political interference and isolated security incidents remain significant issues requiring institutional attention.
The findings are particularly important for future electoral reforms as Nigeria continues to seek stronger electoral institutions, more dependable technology and an election environment where voters can freely exercise their franchise without inducement, intimidation or interference.
