#OsunDecides2022: Vote Buying, Intimidation Rife As YIAGA Africa Presents Appraisal 

Election monitoring body YIAGA Africa has recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should uphold the secrecy of ballots in future elections in the country.

YIAGA Africa made this known during a press conference on the appraisal of the 2022, Osun gubernatorial election in Osogbo on Saturday.

Giving the appraisal, Hussaini Abdu, YIAGA Africa Board Chairman added that the electoral umpire should also audit the newly created Polling Units and ensure even distribution of Polling Units.

While observing acts of vote buying in Akinlalu and Iree towns, YIAGA Africa disclosed that information from its observers in the field revealed that voter intimidation by All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs was carried out in Iragbiji.

It also stated that in Ogbaagba town, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs threatened to disrupt the electoral process.

Referring to the service of security agencies during Saturday’s voting, Abdu recommended that security personnel conduct themselves with civility.

He also suggested that appropriate sanctions should be imposed for electoral act violation.