Nigeria: Osun Election - Police Will Be Apolitical, Impartial - - IGP Disu

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that the police will be professional, apolitical and impartial during the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun. Disu made this pledge during a meeting with representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Auwal Rafsajani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC). The CSOs visited the I-G to discuss election security ahead of the Aug. 25 election.

Disu acknowledged concerns about election security, violence, voter intimidation, and the neutrality of security agencies. He emphasized that these concerns are legitimate and must be addressed through dialogue, transparency, and practical action. Disu assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible, free, and fair election.

He stated that all police officers involved in the election will uphold the law without fear or favor. The police will provide a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their constitutional rights freely and without intimidation. Adequate personnel and operational assets have been deployed ahead of the election, and intelligence gathering and threat assessments have been intensified to neutralize potential threats.

Disu called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly before, during, and after the election. He urged political leaders to reject violence and respect the rule of law, emphasizing that no political ambition is worth the loss of a single Nigerian life. He also urged the people of Osun to come out peacefully and confidently to cast their votes, not allowing themselves to be intimidated by rumors, misinformation, or the actions of a few individuals.

The visit by CSOs aimed to foster collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in providing election security and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. CSOs are concerned about political tensions in the country and the safety and security of Nigerians during elections. They believe that with the Nigeria Police Force's track record, it will be able to lead the upcoming national assignment.