The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally requested an investigation into allegations of vote-buying, violence, and other electoral offences that marred the 2026 Osun State governorship election. The petition, dated August 15, 2026, was addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

In the petition, signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged these agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into reports of financial inducement, illegal election financing, voter intimidation, and misuse of public resources during the election. SERAP emphasized the need for independent scrutiny from regional and international bodies, including the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms, to enhance domestic accountability processes.

SERAP's petition specifically calls for the tracing of the sources and movements of funds allegedly used for vote-buying. The organization is demanding that the agencies identify those responsible for financing, authorizing, and distributing these funds, while also preserving crucial evidence such as banking and mobile-money records, telecom data, CCTV footage, and polling-unit records.

The group highlighted the importance of ensuring that voters can freely exercise their rights during elections, stating, "The legitimacy and credibility of the Osun State election result ultimately depend upon whether voters were genuinely able to freely exercise their right to participation and political choice." It raised concerns about the integrity of the election results, questioning whether the will of the electorate was genuinely reflected given the reported instances of coercion and inducement.

Preliminary reports from the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub indicated that civil society observers recorded 323 electoral offences across 726 polling units by noon on election day. The reported offences included 103 cases of vote trading, 28 instances of inducement involving polling and security officials, and 31 cases of voter obstruction. Additionally, there were 38 security incidents, including thuggery and attacks on electoral officials.

SERAP also referenced incidents reported by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, which detailed cases of vote-buying, including the distribution of food and drinks at polling units, leading to disorder and harassment of observers. These actions are said to violate various provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalizes bribery, undue influence, and violence, as well as stipulations regarding campaign finance.

In light of these serious allegations, SERAP has called for immediate action, including the launch of a joint investigation into the reported electoral misconduct, the tracing of illicit financial flows, and the preservation of digital evidence. The organization believes that such measures are essential to restore public confidence in INEC and ensure the credibility of future elections, including the upcoming 2027 general elections.