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
