The Nigeria Police Force has assured voters in Osun State of adequate security for Saturday’s governorship election, while warning political actors and their supporters against violence, intimidation and other electoral offences that have heightened tensions during the electioneering period.
The Force said it would deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process across the state.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Police said the security arrangements would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel deployed to polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations to protect voters, electoral officials, election materials, accredited observers and journalists.
Iniedu said the Police would not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the election through violence, intimidation, thuggery or other unlawful acts.
“Political parties, candidates and their supporters must understand that the election is a democratic process and not a contest to be settled through violence. Anyone who attempts to disrupt the process will face the full weight of the law,” Iniedu said.
He said the Force was particularly concerned about recurring electoral offences, including ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, clashes between rival supporters, obstruction of electoral officials and incitement to violence.
According to him, perpetrators and sponsors of such offences would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation, status or connections.
Iniedu also warned political actors against engaging or deploying unauthorised security outfits during the election, stressing that election security remains the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
He said the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state or quasi-security formations were not authorised to provide election security.
“The use of non-state security formations to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, mount checkpoints or bear arms during the election is unacceptable. Political parties, candidates and their supporters are therefore urged to desist from engaging or deploying such groups,” he said.
The Force said authorised security agencies for the election include 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 operating within their respective mandates.
The Police further warned that firearms, dangerous weapons and offensive materials would not be allowed around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel deployed for election duties.
Iniedu urged commanders and personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm, while respecting the rights of citizens and operating strictly within the law.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, accredited observers and members of the public to support the security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements or activities.
“We urge the people of Osun State to come out and exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear. The Police remain neutral and professional, and we will not allow any individual or group to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election,” Iniedu said.
The Force assured the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment for the August 15 governorship election.
Osun Poll: NPF Warns Politicians, Supporters Against Violence
