The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has explained why Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan was asked to step aside from election security duties ahead of the state’s governorship election.
Disu said the decision followed complaints from political parties and concerns about public confidence in the neutrality of the Osun State Police Command.
The IGP clarified that the directive was not a disciplinary action against Gotan. He described it as a precautionary measure intended to strengthen public trust in the police and protect the credibility of the electoral process.
Disu provided the explanation during a meeting with civil society organisations in Abuja on Friday. The engagement focused on security preparations for the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The civil society delegation was led by Yiaga Africa Executive Director Samson Itodo.
According to the IGP, political tension and incidents of violence have increased in Osun ahead of the election. Intelligence reports reportedly linked some of the disturbances to rival groups allegedly associated with political interests.
Disu said he had visited Osun and met with political parties and other stakeholders as part of efforts to reduce tension and prevent election-related violence.
Following the concerns raised about the state command, the Nigeria Police Force deployed Samuel Erale Etaifo as Commissioner of Police for the election. Etaifo will coordinate security operations across the state, while an Assistant Inspector-General of Police assigned to the poll is also expected to assume duty.
Disu warned political actors against involving criminal or cult groups in the election. He also cautioned candidates and their supporters against actions capable of disrupting voting or threatening public safety.
The IGP disclosed that some politicians had attempted to identify senior police officers assigned to particular local government areas before the election.
To reduce the risk of political pressure or manipulation, senior officers will reportedly receive details of their specific deployment locations shortly before voting begins.
The police plan to deploy at least four officers to each of Osun State’s 3,673 polling units. This would amount to a minimum of 14,692 police personnel, excluding officers from other security agencies participating in the operation.
The security deployment is expected to protect voters, election officials, candidates and electoral materials before, during and after the poll.
Disu assured residents that they would be able to exercise their voting rights without fear. He urged political parties, candidates and supporters to obey the Electoral Act and avoid conduct that could undermine the election.
Police officers assigned to the exercise were also directed to remain professional, impartial and respectful of the law. Any officer found compromising the process could face disciplinary action.
The temporary change in election security leadership places police neutrality at the centre of preparations for the poll. Its effectiveness will ultimately be measured by whether voters can move freely, polling centres remain secure and political parties have confidence in the conduct of security personnel.
The August 15 election date is confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Details of the police decision and planned deployment were reported by The Whistler.
