By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As part of efforts to ensure a credible and peaceful governorship election in Osun State, The Kukah Centre (TKC) has trained 45 field observers to monitor the electoral process ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.

The observers, drawn from various local government areas of the state, underwent a five-day training programme designed to equip them with the skills needed to identify, document and report indicators of electoral violence before, during and after the election.

Their reports will serve as part of an early warning and early response mechanism aimed at preventing violence and ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process.

Speaking with journalists, the Research Manager of The Kukah Centre, Fatai Yusuf, said the training was intended to prepare the observers for the critical task of collecting election-related security information that would support timely interventions by the National Peace Committee.

According to him, data gathered from the field would enable the committee to make actionable recommendations to relevant stakeholders and help curb potential threats to the electoral process.

“The field observers were trained so that they will be able to collect election security information for us, so that the National Peace Committee can use it for actionable recommendations to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state,” Yusuf said.

“They are expected to collect data on incidents that could affect the election, including potential electoral offences, so that we can properly document the challenges that may impact the poll.

“It is a form of early warning and early response. We collect and analyse the data and provide the National Peace Committee with the necessary recommendations to prevent violence,” he added.

One of the participants, Bolarinwa Olabode, who spoke on behalf of the observers, said the training had enhanced their understanding of election monitoring and conflict prevention.

He noted that the programme exposed participants to key issues and warning signs that should be monitored to help prevent violence throughout the election period.

“The training has exposed us to issues that need to be observed to curtail violence before, during and after the election. When we carry out our responsibilities effectively, it will help prevent violence throughout the election period in the state,” Olabode said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by The Kukah Centre and its partners to promote peaceful elections and strengthen democratic processes in Osun State ahead of the governorship poll.