The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation and other electoral offences ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The warning was issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed security personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially and firmly while ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The Force said offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, thuggery and clashes between rival supporters would not be tolerated, stressing that both perpetrators and sponsors would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The police also cautioned political actors against deploying non-state security outfits during the election. It specifically excluded the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits from election security duties.
According to the Force, such groups have no authority to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or bear arms for election-related operations.
The NPF said election security in Osun would be undertaken by constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside other statutory agencies.
The joint security deployment will cover all 30 local government areas of the state, with personnel assigned to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.
The police warned that any political party, candidate or individual found engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups for election purposes would face arrest and prosecution.
It further reiterated the prohibition of firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials around polling units and collation centres, except where such weapons are lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing election duties.
The Force said persons found committing electoral offences, including obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of electoral materials, hate speech, incitement to violence and other acts capable of disrupting the election, would be arrested and charged to court.
The police urged traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, accredited observers and members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the police remained committed to providing a secure environment in which eligible voters could freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
He reiterated the NPF’s neutrality and professionalism, warning that the Force would not allow any individual or group to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun governorship election.
