The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has broken his silence on the removal of the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, just days before the state's governorship election. Disu revealed that Gotan was removed after several politicians and political parties raised concerns, saying they had lost confidence in the state police commissioner ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
Politicians' Complaints Lead to Gotan's Removal
The Nigeria Police Force introduced the position of an Electoral Commissioner of Police specifically to oversee election security in Osun and ensure all parties have confidence in the process. Disu explained that the Electoral Commissioner of Police would be taking charge of the elections earlier, when they noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police. "For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police," Disu said.
Disu added that the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the Electoral Commissioner of Police moved in earlier. The IGP also revealed that more senior police officers will arrive in Osun before election day to strengthen security arrangements. "The AIG in charge of the election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in," he said.
Deployments and Election Security Arrangements
The Police say they have already deployed personnel across the state to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful governorship election on August 15, 2026. Disu assured residents that security personnel have already been deployed across different parts of Osun State to maintain peace before, during and after the election. According to him, the deployments are meant to stop any breakdown of law and order and ensure eligible voters can cast their ballots without intimidation.
The Osun governorship election will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party, will face the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.
Election Security and Cooperation with Other Agencies
While the police will lead security operations, the IGP said they won't be working alone. "Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election," he said. Disu emphasized that the police are in charge of internal security and will be the lead organization in charge of the election.
The deployments of security personnel across Osun State are meant to prevent any breakdown of law and order and ensure eligible voters can cast their ballots without intimidation. With the removal of Gotan and the deployment of more senior police officers, the Nigeria Police Force is taking steps to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.
Source: Pulse.ng
