Osun rerun: EU, US, UK ‘witnessed’ intimidation of voters, interference

The missions of the US, UK and EU have given their take on the conduct of the Osun governorship rerun election.

Observers from the missions who were on the ground to monitor the electoral process said they witnessed “incidents of interference and intimidation of voters”.

John Bray, US consul general, told journalists in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, that the missions were concerned about the reports.

He said they will consult relevant stakeholders to determine the facts.

“The missions of the United States, European Union and the United Kingdom observed voting at polling stations in Osun today (Thursday),” Bray said.

“We witnessed what appeared to be incidents of interference and intimidation of voters and have reports of harassment of party monitors, journalists and domestic observers.

“We are very concerned by these reports and we will be checking with stakeholders to determine the facts. We call on all stakeholders to remain calm.”

TheCable, in its live coverage of the election, had reported how the process was marred by violence in at least four of the seven polling units where the rerun held.

There were incidents of gunshots in a polling unit in Osogbo local government area, after suspected thugs had invaded to disrupt the exercise.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and other observers have also faulted the credibility of the election.