Yemi Obafemi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured civil society organisations that the Nigeria Police Force will remain professional, impartial and neutral in providing security during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
Disu gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with representatives of civil society organisations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions focused on security arrangements ahead of the poll.
The delegation, led by Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, included representatives of YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation and other organisations.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the groups raised concerns over voter protection, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the election.
Responding, the Inspector-General said the Police would review the recommendations and take appropriate steps to address the issues identified.
He also assured that sufficient security personnel would be deployed across polling units, with measures in place to ensure persons with disabilities are able to vote safely.
Describing the Osun election as the last off-cycle governorship poll before the 2027 general elections, Disu urged political actors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
He further called for sustained collaboration between the Police and civil society groups through the timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
The Police said it remains committed to strengthening its operational readiness and safeguarding the country’s democratic process throughout the electoral period.
