Inspector-General of Police Olatunji “Tunji” Disu has directed police officers deployed for the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election to perform their duties diligently, professionally and without political bias.
Disu’s directive was highlighted in a video shared on X on Saturday, August 8, amid heightened security preparations for the election.
Police Plan Large Election Deployment
The Nigeria Police Force is expected to deploy at least four officers to each of Osun State’s 3,673 polling units across 30 local government areas and 332 wards.
Disu disclosed the deployment plan during a meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja on Friday, saying the arrangement would involve no fewer than 14,692 police officers, excluding personnel from other security agencies.
The deployment is larger than that used for the recent Ekiti State governorship election, reflecting concerns over the political tension surrounding the Osun poll.
Disu Demands Neutrality
The IGP has repeatedly warned officers to remain neutral and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He said the police 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.”
Officers have also been warned that misconduct, vote-buying, intimidation, ballot-box snatching and thuggery will attract sanctions regardless of the political status of those involved.
Osun CP Steps Aside Ahead of Poll
As part of measures to strengthen confidence in the security arrangements, Disu directed the substantive Osun Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to step aside ahead of the election.
The decision was not described as disciplinary but followed complaints from political parties over perceived impartiality concerns. CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, the Electoral Commissioner of Police, has taken charge of election security operations.
Deployments to areas considered vulnerable have already begun, while some senior officers’ specific local government assignments may be withheld until close to election day to reduce the possibility of political influence.
Election Seen as Test Ahead of 2027
The Osun election has attracted increased attention amid reports of political tensions and concerns over possible violence.
Disu has described the poll as an important test of police professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged politicians, candidates and their supporters to pursue their campaigns peacefully.
The election will feature Governor Ademola Adeleke and other candidates, including the APC candidate, as voters across the state prepare to choose their next governor on August 15.
