By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to provide adequate security for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
Speaking during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on election security ahead of the poll, the IGP said the engagement underscored the shared commitment of the Police and civil society to safeguard democracy through credible elections.
Disu acknowledged concerns raised by civil society over election security, possible violence, voter intimidation, political thuggery and the neutrality of security agencies, describing them as legitimate issues that require dialogue, transparency and practical action.
He assured Nigerians that the Police had taken the concerns seriously and had put in place comprehensive security arrangements to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and other stakeholders.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains a professional, apolitical and impartial institution. 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 stressed that every police officer deployed for election duty had been reminded of his or her constitutional responsibility to uphold the law without fear or favour, adding that the Force would provide a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
Highlighting measures already put in place, 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 threats before they escalate.
He added that the Police were working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and other critical stakeholders to ensure effective coordination throughout the election period.
The IGP warned that anyone found engaging in electoral offences, including vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching and political thuggery, would face the full weight of the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
He also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.
“Elections should be contests of ideas and policies, not violence or intimidation. No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life,” he stated, urging political leaders to prevail on their supporters to reject violence and respect the rule of law.
Addressing the electorate, Disu encouraged residents of Osun State to come out peacefully to cast their votes, urging them not to be intimidated by rumours, misinformation or the actions of individuals seeking to disrupt the democratic process.
He also advised citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities or violations of the law to 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.
He urged the organisations to continue sharing credible information with the Police while avoiding the spread of unverified reports capable of heightening public anxiety.
Reaffirming the Force’s readiness, Disu said 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 all law-abiding citizens.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that democracy in Nigeria continues to flourish through peaceful participation, mutual respect and strict adherence to the Rule of Law.