By our reporter 18.8.2026
Ahead of the 2027 general elections the United Kingdom has stressed the importance of a free and fair polls warning that Nigerian politicians must conduct themselves to prevent a rigged outcome.
The British High Commission while assessing the August 15 Osun State election warned that efforts should be made to prevent vote-buying, voter intimidation and operational glitches associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
The Commission said the Osun poll offered valuable lessons that should shape electoral planning and reforms before Nigerians head to the polls again in 2027
The Commission said observations from its team, corroborated by reports from credible domestic election observer groups, showed several encouraging indicators of democratic progress.
“Based on their observations, and consistent with the findings of credible independent observer groups with wider deployments across the state, we welcome several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process,” the Commission stated.
Despite acknowledging the peaceful conduct of the poll, the British High Commission said its observers identified several shortcomings that should not be ignored.
It pointed to isolated incidents that generated tension before and during voting, particularly allegations of voter interference and vote-buying across party lines.
It further highlighted overcrowding at some polling units, attributing the situation to the pace of voter accreditation and the limited availability of BVAS devices.
“We encourage the relevant institutions to review these issues carefully and to draw lessons—including from the recommendations of credible organisations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room—that strengthen public confidence, transparency and accountability,” the Commission said.
“As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, we note that off-cycle elections benefit from the availability of additional personnel and resources that may be more difficult to replicate at nationwide scale,” the statement added.
INEC officials counting the ballots.