…warns of electoral gaps ahead 2027
By Michael Ofulue ,Osogbo
The Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, Mr. Bukola Idowu, has raised fresh concerns over alleged irregularities and operational challenges recorded during the 2026 Osun State governorship election, warning that urgent reforms are needed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Idowu made the remarks in an interview, where he discussed KDI’s report on the conduct of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.
He said that KDI documented several issues that require the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Among the concerns highlighted are alleged vote-buying, failures involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, difficulties experienced by elderly voters, security interference and incidents of election-related violence.
Idowu also spoke about alleged cash inducement of voters, with some cases reportedly involving payments of up to N50,000, raising concerns about the growing influence of financial inducement on electoral choices.
The KDI Executive Director said that the organisation also identified discrepancies in some polling-unit results, including 260 reported arithmetic inconsistencies.
Further raising concerns over instances where the number of accredited voters reportedly exceeded the number of votes recorded as cast, Idowu described such discrepancies as issues that require proper investigation and clarification.
Another issue discussed was the reported two-hour interruption in the uploading of polling-unit results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, IReV, which, according to Idowu, generated questions about transparency and public confidence in the results-management process.
The KDI report also examined the performance of electoral technology during the election, particularly, the BVAS.
Idowu highlighted cases of technical difficulties and the challenges such failures posed to voters and election officials.
He said that elderly voters were among those who faced difficulties during the accreditation process, stressing the need for the electoral system to be more accessible and responsive to vulnerable groups.
The interview also touched on the role of security personnel during the election and allegations of interference and violence in some locations.
Idowu argued that the issues identified during the Osun election should not simply be treated as isolated incidents, but should serve as lessons for improving Nigeria’s electoral system before the 2027 general elections.
He called for stronger safeguards around vote-buying, improved reliability of electoral technology, greater transparency in result management and better accountability for electoral and security officials.
The KDI boss maintained that addressing identified weaknesses before 2027 would be critical to restoring and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The interview, which provides further details of KDI’s findings on the Osun election, also examines the broader question of whether Nigeria’s electoral system is adequately prepared for the 2027 general elections.