The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, led by Prof. Joash Akin Amupitan, for conducting what it described as a transparent, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
BON said the Osun governorship election constituted a major test of INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections, adding that the outcome could serve as a model for future elections if the commission sustains and improves on the gains recorded.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, BON said INEC deserved commendation for deploying the necessary personnel, logistics and resources to facilitate a free and fair electoral process.
The organisation also commended the security agencies for providing adequate security throughout the election, noting that their efforts helped to minimise tension and electoral-related criminality.
However, BON urged INEC and other relevant authorities to ensure the prosecution of all persons found to have committed electoral offences, stressing that such action would serve as a deterrent to future offenders.
“We therefore call on INEC and other relevant agencies to ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of all offenders,” the organisation said.
BON further urged stakeholders to build on the lessons from the Osun election and strengthen the electoral process ahead of subsequent elections across the country.
