The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a professional, impartial and neutral approach to the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
IGP Disu gave the assurance on Friday, August 7, when he met with representatives of various CSOs to discuss security concerns ahead of the election.
The delegation, led by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, who is the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), included representatives of YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa and CLEEN Foundation, among others.
The organisations raised concerns over voter protection, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
Responding, the IGP assured the delegation that the concerns and recommendations would receive due consideration, adding that necessary measures would be taken to address identified security challenges.
He said adequate police personnel would be deployed to polling units across the state, with particular attention to the needs of persons with disabilities to ensure their safe and unhindered participation.
Disu described the Osun election as particularly significant, being the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 General Elections, and urged all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.
He also called for sustained collaboration between the police and CSOs through the timely exchange of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
The IGP reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen its operational preparedness and take necessary steps to protect voters, electoral personnel and the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
