Osun Election: Observers Warn Against Unverified Reports

Ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, election observers have cautioned other accredited observers against reporting unverified information that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The warning was issued on Friday,during a joint operational briefing between international observers led by the Association of World Peace Advocates and local observers coordinated by the Civil Society Organizations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI).

CSCHEI is coordinating and supervising 40 INEC-accredited civil society organisations for the observation of the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

At the briefing, local observers were directed to strictly abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act while carrying out their duties.

The organisations were also cautioned against reporting information that had not been verified.

Observers were further directed to work closely with security agencies to ensure their safety and security during the election.

Speaking at the briefing, the Director General of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff, stressed that the observers were on a national assignment and should place Nigeria’s interest above all other considerations in the interest of democratic development.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Association of World Peace Advocates, an INEC international observer, said security arrangements for the election must be based on fairness, justice and equity.

The briefing brought together representatives of 32 INEC-accredited election observer groups in preparation for Saturday’s poll.