The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, assuring stakeholders of adequate security to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible poll.
The assurance came on Friday during an engagement between the Inspector-General and representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where critical issues bordering on election security and public confidence in the electoral process were discussed.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the meeting brought together representatives of several civil society organisations led by the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
Iniedu stated that other participating organisations included YIAGA Africa, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation and other election-focused groups.
He said the CSOs presented observations and recommendations on key election security concerns, including voter protection, political violence, misinformation and disinformation, as well as the participation of women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
He added that the Inspector-General assured the delegation that the concerns raised would receive the attention of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality throughout the election. He assured that adequate personnel would be deployed to polling units, with special attention given to persons with disabilities to facilitate their safe participation,” the statement said.
The police chief described the Osun governorship election as particularly significant because it is the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 General Elections, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
“He described the election as particularly significant as the last off-cycle election before the 2027 General Elections and called on all stakeholders to support a peaceful and credible process that strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy,” Iniedu stated.
Disu also urged civil society organisations to sustain their partnership with security agencies by providing timely and credible information before, during and after the election.
“He further called for continued collaboration with CSOs through timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election,” the Force spokesman added.
The statement noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening its operational preparedness and deploying all necessary resources to safeguard lives, maintain law and order and protect the integrity of the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
