The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Friday held a high-level meeting with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and other key stakeholders in Osogbo as part of efforts to prevent political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The meeting took place at the Government House in Osogbo amid increasing concerns over rising political tensions as preparations intensify for the off-cycle governorship poll.
The IGP arrived in the state alongside the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, AIG Fasuba Olabode, and other senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
During his visit, Disu is also expected to engage officers and personnel of the Osun State Police Command, as well as traditional rulers, in a bid to strengthen cooperation and ensure a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the Inspector-General urged residents to shun violence and cautioned that the police would take firm action against anyone found attempting to disrupt public peace before, during or after the election.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force would not condone any form of election-related violence.
Governor Adeleke, in his remarks, urged the police to conduct themselves professionally and maintain political neutrality throughout the electoral process.
In a post shared on his Instagram page after the meeting, the governor stated, “During our meeting, I reaffirmed my administration’s zero tolerance for violence, thuggery, and all forms of electoral misconduct. I made it clear that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or political affiliation, must be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.”
Adeleke also expressed confidence in the assurances given by the Inspector-General regarding the conduct of the election.
He wrote, “I am encouraged by the assurance of the Inspector-General of Police that the forthcoming election will be peaceful and that the Nigeria Police Force will remain professional, impartial, and apolitical before, during, and after the election. I equally reaffirmed my administration’s commitment to working with all security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process in Osun State.”
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to take place on August 15 and will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The electoral body had earlier shifted the election from August 8 to August 15 to allow for improved logistical preparations.
According to INEC, Osun State has 1,954,800 registered voters. Of that figure, 1,594,006 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected, while 360,794 PVCs remain unclaimed.
INEC has reiterated that only eligible voters in possession of valid PVCs will be permitted to participate in the election.
The commission also reminded political parties, media organisations and other stakeholders that election campaigns must end 24 hours before polling begins, while media houses intending to cover the election are required to complete their accreditation before the specified deadline.
