The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, on Friday met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and other critical stakeholders in Osogbo as part of efforts to curb rising political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Osogbo, comes amid growing concerns over escalating political tensions in the state ahead of the off-cycle poll.
The IGP was accompanied by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, AIG Fasuba Olabode, alongside other senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
As part of his visit, Disu is also expected to meet with officers and personnel of the Osun State Police Command, as well as traditional rulers, to strengthen collaboration towards ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election.
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Addressing stakeholders, the Inspector-General urged residents to reject political violence and warned that the police would deal decisively with anyone found disrupting public peace before, during or after the election.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as political thugs, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate any form of electoral violence.
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In his remarks, Governor Adeleke called on the police to remain professional and politically neutral throughout the electoral process.
“During our meeting, I reaffirmed my administration’s zero tolerance for violence, thuggery, and all forms of electoral misconduct. I made it clear that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or political affiliation, must be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” the governor wrote in a post on his Instagram handle.
“I am encouraged by the assurance of the Inspector-General of Police that the forthcoming election will be peaceful and that the Nigeria Police Force will remain professional, impartial, and apolitical before, during, and after the election. I equally reaffirmed my administration’s commitment to working with all security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process in Osun State.”
The August 15 governorship election will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after it was rescheduled from its earlier August 8 date to allow for improved logistical preparations.
INEC says Osun State has 1,954,800 registered voters, with 1,594,006 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) already collected, while 360,794 PVCs remain unclaimed. The electoral body has reiterated that only voters with valid PVCs will be eligible to vote.
The commission has also announced that campaigns will end 24 hours before election day, while media organisations covering the exercise must complete accreditation before the stipulated deadline.
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