By RhemDy News
The Nigeria Police have stated that political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public that the Osun State Governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, must be peaceful, warning that anyone who attempts to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation, or thuggery will face the full weight of the law.
The Police also notes recurring election offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters, stressing that none of these will be tolerated.
A statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, maintained that any person involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Force affirmed that securing the election was the sole responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies, therefore reminding that the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security.
Such roles include escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms.
The Police called on the affected stakeholders to ensure full compliance in the interest of peace.
Also, the Nigeria Police Force clarified that authorised agencies for election security include its operatives, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory bodies working together.
The statement noted that this joint security deployment covers all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.
It further warned political parties, candidates, and the public against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. "Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law".
The Police reiterated that all firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
"Anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, will be arrested and charged to court," Iniedu stated.
He further disclosed that the Police have directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially, and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights.
"The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels—if you see something, say something," he said.
The Police also assured the people of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders of its commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
He added that the Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, assuring that it will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election.
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