YIAGA Africa has praised INEC and security agencies for the conduct of the Osun governorship election, saying the exercise demonstrated that the electoral body can improve its standards.

A screengrab of the Chairperson of the Election Observation Mission, Asmau Maikudi (centre), addressing the media on the conduct of the Osun State governorship election on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Election observation groups, comprising Yiaga Africa and other civil society organisations, have hailed the conduct of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election.

While giving an analysis of the election, the Chairperson of the Election Observation Mission, Asmau Maikudi, said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies “largely passed the test”.

The group said that the results of the election as announced by INEC were consistent with Yiaga Africa’s statistical analysis.

It, however, raised concerns about some inadequacies observed during the election.

It hailed the resilience of Osun voters during the governorship election, saying that the 43 per cent turnout and the electorate’s decision to watch as the votes were counted were commendable.

The group, however, stated that citizens do not have to stand guard to watch their votes, as it questions the integrity of the electoral umpire.

It said that the Osun election shows that INEC can improve its standards.

It therefore advised the commission to take advantage of the lessons learnt from the Osun governorship election

The group also offered recommendations to INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.