Osun Election: IGP Disu Assures CSOs of Police Neutrality, Professionalism
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality in the conduct of security operations during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Disu gave the assurance on Friday, August 7, 2026, during an engagement with representatives of CSOs on security concerns ahead of the election scheduled for August 15.
The delegation, led by the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, comprised representatives of YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation and other civil society groups.
During the meeting, the CSOs presented observations and recommendations on election security, focusing on voter protection, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
The IGP assured the delegation that the concerns raised would receive due consideration and that necessary measures would be taken to address identified security challenges.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining a professional, impartial and neutral posture throughout the electoral process.
He disclosed that adequate police personnel would be deployed to polling units and other strategic locations to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.
The IGP also pledged special attention to persons with disabilities, saying measures would be put in place to facilitate their safe and unhindered participation in the election.
Describing the Osun poll as particularly significant because it is the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, Disu urged all stakeholders to support a peaceful, credible and transparent process capable of strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
He also called for sustained collaboration between the police and civil society organisations through the timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
The police boss said strengthened cooperation among security agencies, civil society groups, political actors, the media and other stakeholders remained essential to preventing violence and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force, he added, would continue to strengthen its operational preparedness and take necessary measures to protect lives, property and the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
