The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters in Osun State for what it described as the “relatively seamless” conduct of the 15 August 2026 governorship election, while urging the judiciary, security agencies and political actors to protect the mandate freely given by the electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman of TMG and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the coalition welcomed the absence of major technical glitches in most polling locations and praised INEC’s real-time uploading of polling-unit results to the Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“The Osun experience demonstrates that the Commission is capable of conducting a transparent electoral process, particularly through the effective deployment of technology and real-time results transmission,” TMG said, while urging Nigerians to continue to demand greater transparency, accountability and professionalism from INEC.
Protecting mandates, not overturning them
TMG warned against using judicial processes to overturn the legitimate choice of voters, calling on courts to ensure electoral litigation strengthens — rather than undermines — the sanctity of the ballot. The group acknowledged the courts’ constitutional role in adjudicating electoral disputes but cautioned that litigation should not become a vehicle for overturning genuine mandates through technicalities, procedural manipulation or politically motivated cases.
“INEC deserves commendation where it gets things right,” the statement added, but it stressed that the commission should not shoulder sole blame for electoral malpractice when violations are driven by political actors and their supporters.
Concerns over vote buying, intimidation
While praising voters for peaceful participation and resilience, TMG noted reported TMG hails ‘largely seamless’ Osun poll, urges judiciary, security agencies to protect voters’ mandate ahead of 2027
TMG urged political parties and candidates to accept electoral outcomes where legitimately determined and to seek redress through established legal channels if they have genuine grievances. It also called for a shift away from politics driven by violence, vote buying, religious and ethnic mobilisation toward competition based on character, competence and credible programmes.
Lessons for 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, TMG encouraged Nigerians to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, ensure timely accreditation at polling units and reject vote-selling. The group advised voters to assess candidates on records, teams and policy priorities — emphasising issues such as security, living standards, anti‑corruption, human rights and institutional strengthening.
TMG also urged INEC to build on gains recorded in Osun by strengthening election technology, logistics, voter accreditation, results transmission and public communications. It called on security agencies and anti‑corruption bodies to intensify efforts against vote buying, thuggery and other electoral offences to ensure credible contests.
“The Osun experience should strengthen Nigerians’ confidence that credible elections are possible,” the statement concluded, noting the absence of significant post‑election violence in Osun and other recent governorship elections as evidence that peaceful democratic contests are achievable when electoral processes are credible.
