The European Union has activated a Joint Election Observation Hub to monitor the Osun State governorship election as part of its support for democratic governance and electoral integrity in Nigeria.

The initiative, established under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, brings together six civil society organisations to coordinate independent, citizen-focused election observation across the state.

The participating organisations are Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre (IPC), the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF).

The Hub will coordinate reports from 800 accredited observers deployed across Osun State to monitor critical stages of the electoral process, including the opening of polling units, voter accreditation, voting, counting and results collation.

Observers will also track the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities, media coverage, electoral security, compliance with electoral guidelines and other issues affecting the credibility of the election.

Information received from the field will be verified and analysed in real time, with periodic public updates expected to provide citizens with credible information, counter misinformation and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

The initiative also features an Election ReportPoint, allowing voters to report incidents such as violence, intimidation, vote buying and other forms of electoral misconduct through calls or WhatsApp messages.

Voters can submit reports via 0706 825 8595 or 0707 116 4610.

Speaking on the initiative, Laolu Olawunmi, Governance Adviser at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the Hub demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigerian-led efforts to improve electoral integrity and democratic accountability.

Olawunmi said the collaboration would enable Nigerian civil society organisations to combine their expertise, networks and experience to provide independent and evidence-based information on the election.

She said credible elections depend not only on the casting of ballots but also on issues including inclusion, electoral security, media coverage, information integrity, results management and citizens’ ability to participate freely.

The Osun deployment builds on similar initiatives by EU-SDGN partners during previous elections and represents an evolving approach to coordinated election observation involving organisations working in election monitoring, media, inclusion, peacebuilding and citizen participation.

Through the EU-SDGN programme, the European Union supports Nigerian institutions and civil society organisations in strengthening electoral processes, promoting inclusive political participation, deepening citizen engagement and advancing democratic accountability.