By Cecilia Ogezi (Correspondent, Abuja)
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has lauded the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the just-concluded Osun governorship election held at the weekend.
In a statement titled "Post Election Statement on the Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, July 2022" signed by its Chairman, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, the TMG praised the electoral body for complying to the provisions of the Electoral Act, especially with regards to improving inclusivity by providing assistance technology for persons with disabilities, and for efficient election logistics.
Such arrangements, according to Comrade Rasfanjani, saw early deployment of officials and materials to the polling units across the State of Osun. The TMG also praised the media and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and non-violent elections. It commended the Osun people for an inclusive and participatory election in the state.
"The 2022 Osun Governorship Election had generated much interests in the country just like the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti. The off-season elections generated high expectations among the citizens, not just in Ekiti and Osun, but all over the country as it was expected to reflect citizens expectations towards the General Election in 2023, especially with regards to the reforms instituted by the new Electoral Act, 2022 as amended", the statement said.
The election monitoring body which observed the electioneering process, however expressed satisfaction on the high level of voter's mobilisation activities by the media and the civil society groups. It noted voters availability to exercise their franchise in the election debates, thereby contributing to ensure critical interactions with citizens as part of entrenching issue-based campaigns.
On the issue of vote buying, Comrade Rafsanjani insists that voters must resist selling their future and good governance as vote buying doesn’t provide good governance, transparent and accountable leadership.
The group, however, urged the security operatives to always conduct themselves with the highest decorum so as to ensure the trust of the electorates during subsequent elections. NNL.
