The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured residents of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force will remain neutral, professional and fully committed to providing adequate security for the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaking during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on election security ahead of the poll, the IGP addressed concerns over possible violence, voter intimidation, political thuggery and the neutrality of security agencies.
Disu described the concerns raised by civil society groups as legitimate, assuring stakeholders that they would be addressed through dialogue, transparency and practical security measures.
He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains an apolitical institution with no allegiance to any political party or candidate.
“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,” the IGP said.
According to him, all officers deployed for election duties have been reminded of their constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour while ensuring that eligible voters exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
The Police boss disclosed that adequate personnel and operational assets have been deployed across Osun State, while intelligence gathering and threat assessments have been intensified to identify and neutralise potential security threats before they escalate.
He added that the Force is working 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 throughout the election.
Disu warned that anyone involved in electoral offences, including vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching and political thuggery, would face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, stressing that political contests should be based on ideas and policies rather than violence.
“No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life,” he said, calling on political leaders to caution their supporters against violence and to uphold the rule of law.
The IGP also encouraged residents of Osun State to come out peacefully and confidently to exercise their constitutional right to vote, urging them not to be intimidated by rumours, misinformation or individuals seeking to disrupt the electoral process.
He advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and any violation of the law to security personnel.
Describing Civil Society Organisations as indispensable partners in promoting peaceful elections, Disu encouraged them to sustain voter education, election observation and advocacy while sharing only credible information with the Police and avoiding the spread of unverified reports capable of heightening public anxiety.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing a secure environment for a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State, noting that the success of the poll depends on the collective cooperation of political actors, civil society organisations, the media and all 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.
