By Paul Williams
Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has warned political parties, candidates and supporters against acts likely to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Disu, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, on August 12, 2026, said anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence, intimidation or thuggery would face the full weight of the law.
The IGP warned that recurring electoral offences — such as ballot‑snatching, voter intimidation, vote‑buying and clashes between rival supporters — would not be tolerated during the election.
He added that anyone involved in such offences, either as a direct perpetrator or as a sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Force also warned that the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community‑based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non‑state or quasi‑security formations are not authorised to participate in election security.
According to the police, such groups are prohibited from escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or bearing arms in connection with the election.
The Force said election security is the responsibility of constitutionally recognised agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other statutory agencies.
It said the joint security deployment will cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State, with personnel assigned to secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists and voters.
Political parties, candidates and members of the public were further warned against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election‑related activities.
The police said any member or sponsor of such groups found participating in the election would be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Force reiterated that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It warned that persons found committing electoral offences — including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech and incitement to violence — would be arrested and prosecuted.
Disu directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm while operating within the rule of law and respecting human rights.
The police urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and members of the public to report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The Force assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment where eligible voters can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
The police said they would remain neutral, professional and resolute, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election.
