The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has assured residents of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force will remain neutral and professional in the forthcoming governorship election, pledging adequate security to enable voters exercise their franchise without intimidation.
Disu gave the assurance during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on election security ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election, where he addressed concerns over possible violence, voter intimidation, political thuggery and the neutrality of security agencies.
The IGP said the concerns raised by civil society were legitimate and would be addressed through dialogue, transparency and practical security measures.
He said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of the Police and civil society to ensuring that the election is peaceful, credible, free and fair.
According to Disu, the Nigeria Police Force remains an apolitical and impartial institution with no candidate, political party or vested interest in the outcome of the election.
“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.
The IGP said every police officer deployed for election duties had been reminded of his or her constitutional responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour.
He assured eligible voters that the Police would provide a secure environment for them to cast their ballots freely and without intimidation.
Disu disclosed that adequate personnel and operational assets had been deployed across Osun State, while intelligence gathering and threat assessments had been intensified to identify and neutralise potential security threats before they escalate.
He said the Police were also working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination during the election.
The IGP warned that individuals involved in vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, political thuggery and other electoral offences would be dealt with in accordance with the law, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the election, 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,” Disu said.
He called on political leaders to prevail on their supporters to reject violence and respect the rule of law, noting that peaceful conduct by political actors was essential to the credibility of the electoral process.
The IGP also appealed to residents of Osun State to come out peacefully and confidently to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
He urged voters not to be intimidated by rumours, misinformation or the actions of individuals seeking to undermine the democratic process.
Disu advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and violations of the law to the nearest security personnel.
He described Civil Society Organisations as indispensable partners in promoting peaceful elections and encouraged them to sustain voter education, election observation and advocacy efforts.
The IGP, however, urged CSOs to share credible information with the Police and avoid amplifying unverified reports capable of heightening public anxiety ahead of the election.
He said constructive engagement between the Police and civil society would strengthen public confidence and contribute to a peaceful electoral process.
Disu reiterated the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to provide a secure environment for the conduct of a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
He stressed, however, that the success of the election would depend not only on the Police but also on the cooperation of political actors, civil society organisations, the media and other 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.
