Osun West by-election: Observer adjudges process as credible

One of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as observers in the just concluded Osun West by-election, Center for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has described the process as credible and a great improvement over other elections in the past.
The organisation, in a report signed by its Director General, Dr Nwambu Gabriel and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Friday commended INEC for being proactive in the distribution of sensitive and nonsensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo to all the units in the 10 Local Governments Areas that constitute the senatorial district.

According to the report, electoral officials were present at different polling units across the local governments before 8:am, which strengthened the confidence of voters in the process.
It opined that prompt distribution of materials and perfect performance of card readers and general logistics in the process indicated a significant improvement in the conduct of elections by the commission over the years.

“Our organisation observed a significant improvement by INEC in terms of distribution of materials, performance of the card readers, and general logistics in the just concluded Osun by-election of July 8.

“The conduct of the afore mentioned election was reasonably conformed with the constitution and the relevant provisions of the electoral act of 2010 as amended.
“From the above, therefore, we, as one of the INEC accredited CSOs, hereby affirm that the conduct of the Osun West Senatorial by- election won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Ademola Adeleke was transparent, free, fair and credible. And as such , conformed with the provisions of the law and rule of engagement.
“We salute the courage and level of professionalism displayed by all the security agencies.

“We specifically laud the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris for keeping to his words on proactive policing in line with the United nations tenets on mitigation of crime.
“Finally, the INEC Chairman , Prof. Mamoud is hereby commended for achieving a significant improvement in the overall conduct of the election especially as it affects the effective use of the Card-Reader machine,” the report reads