The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub, EU-SDGN EOH, has described the ongoing gubernatorial election as largely peaceful and inclusive, but raised concerns over vote-buying, voter intimidation and BVAS malfunctions.
In a preliminary statement issued at 2:00pm, the Hub said it deployed 823 accredited observers across all the local government areas and polling units.
The Hub reported that election materials and personnel arrived early in most locations.
“Out of 726 polling units observed, officials with the full complement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials were present in 608 units, 83.7%, between 7:30am and 8:00am.
“Another 75 units, 10.3%, opened between 8:00am and 8:30am, while 42 units, 5.7%, opened between 8:30am and 11:00am. Only one polling unit was yet to open as of 11:00am due to the non-arrival of officials and materials,” the hub stated.
On technology, the observers said 58 BVAS devices malfunctioned out of the 726 units observed.
However, 41 of the 58 devices were rectified, and accreditation resumed.
The Hub also noted impressive and orderly voter turnout, with effective crowd control by officials and security personnel.
Security presence averaged three personnel per polling unit, though isolated cases of voter intimidation by security agents were reported in Ejigbo and Osogbo.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, the Hub recorded significant electoral infractions.
As at 12 noon, it documented 38 security incidents, including 25 cases of thuggery, 12 attacks on electoral officials and 9 cases of voter intimidation.
Across the 726 polling units, 323 cases of electoral offences were reported.