The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured residents of Osun State that the Nigeria Police Force will remain neutral and professional before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election.
Disu gave the assurance on Friday during an engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on election security, where he addressed concerns over possible violence, voter intimidation, political thuggery and the neutrality of security agencies.
The IGP said the police had no preferred candidate or political party, insisting that the Force’s only interest was to ensure that the lawful choice of Osun voters prevailed.
“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,” Disu said.
He said police officers deployed for election duties had been reminded of their constitutional responsibility to enforce the law impartially and without fear or favour. According to him, adequate personnel and operational assets have been deployed across the state, while intelligence gathering and threat assessments have been intensified to identify and neutralise potential threats before they escalate.
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Disu also said the police were working with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination throughout the electoral process.
The police chief warned politicians, their supporters and other individuals against vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, political violence and other electoral offences.
He said offenders would face the full weight of the law irrespective of their political affiliation or social status.
“No political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life,” Disu said.
He urged political parties and candidates to campaign peacefully and allow the election to be determined by ideas and policies rather than violence.
Disu also appealed to Osun residents to come out and exercise their franchise without fear, warning them not to be discouraged by rumours, misinformation or attempts by individuals to disrupt the democratic process. He urged residents to report suspicious activities and violations of electoral laws to security personnel.
The IGP commended CSOs for their role in voter education, election observation and advocacy, describing them as critical partners in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
However, he urged the groups to provide the police with only verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of creating unnecessary tension ahead of the poll.
Disu said sustained collaboration among the police, other security agencies, political actors, CSOs, the media and citizens would be crucial to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
He reiterated the readiness of the police to provide a secure environment for the Osun governorship election, urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law.
“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.
