Osun Election Diary: My Experience in Ilesa West Local Government, By Aishat Jimoh

By Aishat Jimoh

I was posted to Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State to observe the 15 August 2026 governorship election across the local government. Ilesa West has 121 polling units spread across ten wards.

Fortunately, the assignment took me back home. My parents’ house is in Ilesa West, so the field was, in a way, familiar territory. I began work around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 14 August, a day before the election. I packed my backpack and headed into the field.

There was nothing particularly strange or unfamiliar about the area. I knew the streets, the people, and even the INEC office, where I had collected my Permanent Voter’s Card. However, I decided not to return home for the night. I chose to stay at a Registration Area Centre (RAC), also known as the ward centre, so I could observe the preparations closely and avoid the risk of sleeping late and missing any part of the election process.

The decision came with its own price. The night was spent between mosquitoes and cold weather, but I survived it with one thing in mind: doing my job properly.

Election Day

On Saturday, 15 August, I woke up determined to do my quota as an observer. I prepared in the early hours of the morning and, by 6:00 a.m., contacted my transport aide. The day’s observation officially began.

I revisited some of the RACs and Super RACs and observed the departure of poll officials to their respective polling units. By about 8:30 a.m., voting activities had commenced.

At the first three polling units I visited, I observed the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Accreditation proceeded smoothly in the early stages. After successfully accrediting voters, the machine would indicate that the accreditation was successful.

One of the most striking features of the election was the turnout of voters. From what I observed across the polling units I visited, participation was exceptionally high. Reports show 1,005,800 votes cast after the total collation. 

The turnout was particularly noticeable among young people, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The participation of young people was especially surprising to me. Having previously observed the Ekiti State governorship election, I did not expect to see such a strong turnout in Osun. I also noticed elderly voters making the effort to participate.

One particular encounter stayed with me. I saw a woman with a disability leaving after casting her vote. I stood still for a moment because, for someone in her condition to make the journey from home to the polling unit and participate in the election, despite the challenges that could have discouraged her, said something about the determination of voters to exercise their franchise.

The turnout was even more striking considering the tension that had characterised the pre-election period. Reports of deaths and other incidents of political violence had created fear ahead of the election. Yet, on election day, that fear did not appear to stop many residents from coming out to vote.

This was also consistent with a survey I conducted a few days before the election. Although respondents expressed concerns about insecurity and political violence, many still indicated their determination to participate in the election. The election therefore became, for me, a reminder that citizens remain important drivers of democracy.

Conduct of Officials and Security Personnel

The conduct of the poll officials was generally orderly. Poll staff explained the voting process to voters and guided those who needed assistance. Security personnel were also present and worked to maintain order at the polling units.

However, both groups had moments when they fell short of the expectations placed on them. Despite this, security personnel were available to respond to situations that could have disrupted the process, while poll officials largely maintained the flow of accreditation and voting.

Party agents were another noticeable presence. They were highly alert and closely monitored the activities of poll officials. They were quick to point out perceived mistakes and, figuratively speaking, stood on the necks of the officials to ensure that no error went unnoticed.

Counting and Collation

I witnessed the counting of votes at some polling units before proceeding to the local government collation centre at Obokungbusi Town Hall in Ilesa West.

The collation process was faster than I expected. Compared with my previous election observation, where counting and related activities extended until about midnight, the process on this occasion was completed shortly after 9:00 p.m.

The relatively quick conclusion of the process was one of the noticeable differences between this election and my previous observation experience.

Overall Assessment

My observation of the Osun governorship election left me with a broader understanding of what democratic participation can look like when citizens decide to show up.

From the preparation of election officials to accreditation, voting, counting, and collation, the process I observed in Ilesa West was largely orderly. INEC’s processes, particularly the use of BVAS for voter accreditation, contributed to the organisation of the exercise, while the presence of security personnel helped maintain order.

But perhaps the biggest lesson for me was the voters themselves.

The participation of young people, senior citizens and persons with disabilities challenged some of my expectations about voter apathy. Despite the fears surrounding the election, many people still came out to exercise their franchise.

The experience also reminded me that democracy is not driven by institutions alone. It depends heavily on citizens who are willing to participate.

For me, the Osun governorship election was not simply another election to observe. It was an opportunity to see, from the field, how citizens can turn up, make their choices, and insist on being part of the process.

And the young people? They reminded me that when they decide to take responsibility, they can indeed live up to expectations.

Aisha Jimoh

+ postsBio ⮌

This author does not have any more posts