The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured residents of Osun State of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a peaceful, credible and violence-free governorship election, declaring that the Force will remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on election security ahead of the Osun governorship poll, the IGP addressed concerns over possible violence, voter intimidation, political thuggery and the impartiality of security agencies.
Disu described the concerns raised by civil society groups as legitimate, assuring participants that they would be addressed through dialogue, transparency and effective security measures. He said the engagement reflected the shared commitment of the Police and civil society to delivering a free, fair and credible election.
Reaffirming the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP stressed that the institution had no preferred candidate or political party.
“We have no candidate, no political party and no vested interest in the outcome of the election other than ensuring that the lawful choice of the people prevails,” he said.
He disclosed that all officers assigned to election duties had been reminded of their constitutional obligation to enforce the law impartially and without fear or favour.
Disu assured eligible voters that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to enable them to exercise their constitutional right without intimidation or harassment.
According to him, sufficient personnel and operational assets have been deployed across Osun State, while intelligence gathering and threat assessments have been intensified to detect and neutralise potential security threats before they escalate.
The Police chief added that the Force was collaborating closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination before, during and after the election.
He warned that anyone involved in vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, political violence or any other electoral offence would face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
The IGP also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, noting that elections should be contested on the basis of ideas and policies rather than violence.
“No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life,” he said, while calling on political leaders to prevail on their supporters to reject violence and uphold the rule of law.
Appealing directly to residents of Osun State, Disu encouraged them to come out peacefully and vote without fear, urging them not to be discouraged by rumours, misinformation or the actions of individuals seeking to disrupt the democratic process.
He further advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and any breach of electoral laws to the nearest security personnel.
The IGP commended Civil Society Organisations for their role in promoting peaceful elections through voter education, election observation and advocacy, describing them as indispensable partners in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
However, he urged CSOs to share only verified and credible information with the Police and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports capable of creating unnecessary public anxiety ahead of the poll.
Disu maintained that continuous collaboration between the Police and civil society would boost public confidence in the electoral process.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to provide a secure environment for a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State, while stressing that the success of the exercise would depend on the collective cooperation of security agencies, political actors, civil society groups, the media and law-abiding citizens.
“Together, let us demonstrate that democracy in Nigeria can continue to flourish through peaceful participation, mutual respect and strict adherence to the rule of law,” the IGP said
