The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality in the conduct of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Disu gave the assurance on Friday when he met with representatives of Civil Society Organisations to discuss security concerns surrounding the forthcoming election.
The IGP said the police would deploy adequate personnel to polling units across the state to ensure the safety of voters and other stakeholders, with particular attention to persons with disabilities to facilitate their secure participation in the electoral process.
He described the election as particularly significant as it would be the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, urging all stakeholders to work towards ensuring a peaceful, free and credible exercise.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, Disu assured the CSOs that concerns raised during the meeting would be carefully considered and necessary action taken.
“The concerns raised by the Civil Society Organisations will be given due consideration, and necessary action will be taken,” the IGP assured.
Disu also called for sustained collaboration between the police and civil society groups, particularly through the timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
He reiterated that the police were committed to strengthening their operational preparedness and protecting the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening its operational preparedness and protecting the democratic process throughout the electoral period,” he said.
The CSO delegation was led by the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, and comprised representatives of YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation and other civil society organisations.
During the engagement, the CSOs presented observations and recommendations on election security, focusing on voter protection, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
The August 15 election is expected to be conducted across the 30 local government areas of Osun State, with more than two million registered voters expected to participate.
Fourteen political parties have fielded candidates for the election, with security preparedness and the neutrality of law enforcement expected to remain major issues as the poll approaches.
