Osun guber: ‘Election facing integrity risk’ – Yiaga Africa exposes financial inducement

Yiaga Africa has published its pre-election analysis regarding the current circumstances in Osun in anticipation of the upcoming governorship elections next month.

According to Yiaga’s report, the integrity of the governorship election is at risk, noting an increase in the distribution of money or gifts by candidates or their supporters to voters.

Yiaga Africa said that its findings conducted between 14 and 29 June 2026, recorded numerous occurrences of cash and gift distribution by political figures and their supporters during campaign events and community interactions.

The report made available to reporters in Abuja further stated that while some of these distributions were presented as social interventions or charitable programmes, their timing and proximity to the election raise concerns about their potential to unduly influence voters.

“Such incidents were reported in Irepodun, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda  and Osogbo LGAs. In Ilobu/Erin, Irepodun LGA, observers heard that a group known as the ITK Sisters distributed cash, garri, beans and other food items to residents,” the report added.

It continued, “Similarly, observers reported the distribution of food items by unidentified groups in the Ekerele-Iwara area of Ola-Oluwa LGA, as well as in parts of Olorunda and Osogbo LGAs. A more sophisticated pattern of voter inducement was observed in Ife South LGA. On 7 July 2026, residents of Ara Joshua Village in Osi Ward reportedly received electronic transfers of N10,000 with the narration, ‘Renewed Hope Ambassadors/APC EPYT.’ “

Yiaga Africa said that its observers noted that the payments were linked to an earlier exercise in March 2026, during which individuals visited communities to collect voters’ Voter Identification Numbers, VINs, and National Identification Numbers, NINs.

“The same individuals reportedly returned in June 2026 to obtain beneficiaries’ bank account details before they made the transfers.This emerging data-enabled model of voter inducement represents a growing electoral integrity concern.

“Unlike conventional vote buying at polling units, it occurs well before election day, leaves fewer visible traces, and is more difficult to detect through traditional election observation methods,” Yiaga Africa said.

The organization further reported what it called ‘very limited voter education’ efforts targeted at marginalised groups such as women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs. 

“CSO-led campaigns targeting women were only recorded in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa LGA. Youth-targeted voter education campaigns were reported to have been conducted by INEC in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa and by CSO in Ede South LGA. In addition, PWDs targeted campaigns were reported to be conducted by only INEC, in Ola-Oluwa LGA,” it further stated.

Osun guber: ‘Election facing integrity risk’ – Yiaga Africa exposes financial inducement