Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, the campaign council of Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure that security agencies remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
The council said Nigerians, particularly residents of Osun State, expect the Nigeria Police Force to uphold democratic values by guaranteeing a peaceful, credible and violence-free election where voters can freely exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.
The appeal comes amid growing political tension between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State and opposition parties, with campaigns already gathering momentum ahead of what observers describe as one of the country’s most closely watched off-cycle governorship elections.
Campaign raises concerns over police neutrality
Speaking on behalf of the campaign organisation, officials expressed concern over what they described as attempts to politicise security arrangements ahead of the election.
According to the campaign council, the Inspector-General of Police should provide firm assurances that officers deployed for election duties would operate strictly within the law and resist political influence.
The council stressed that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on the impartial conduct of security agencies before, during and after voting.
It maintained that the police have a constitutional responsibility to protect voters, electoral officials, journalists, election observers and political stakeholders regardless of party affiliation.
The campaign argued that any perception of bias could undermine public trust and potentially increase political tension.
Call for peaceful democratic process
The Adeleke campaign appealed to all political actors to conduct issue-based campaigns instead of inflammatory rhetoric capable of provoking violence.
It also urged supporters across political divides to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could threaten public peace before and after the election.
According to the campaign, democracy flourishes when elections are decided by the ballot rather than intimidation or abuse of state institutions.
The council further encouraged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue preparations aimed at delivering a transparent and credible governorship election.
Importance of security agencies
Election experts have consistently identified security as one of the most critical factors influencing voter participation during Nigerian elections.
Security agencies are expected to prevent electoral violence, protect polling units, secure election materials and maintain public order without interfering in the voting process.
Civil society organisations have repeatedly emphasised that security personnel should remain non-partisan while carrying out election responsibilities.
Observers note that confidence in security institutions often contributes significantly to voter turnout and acceptance of election outcomes.
Osun election attracts national attention
The Osun governorship election is expected to attract widespread national attention because of the state’s political significance in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, elected under the PDP platform, is expected to seek another mandate, while opposition parties are intensifying preparations to reclaim the state’s highest political office.
Political analysts believe the election could influence broader political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, making it a strategic contest for major political parties.
As campaigns continue, stakeholders have consistently called on political leaders to prioritise peace and ensure that supporters avoid violence, hate speech and voter intimidation.
INEC and security collaboration
The Independent National Electoral Commission has continued consultations with security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the election.
Election observers expect close collaboration between INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to safeguard the electoral process.
Analysts note that transparent communication from security authorities before election day could help reduce public anxiety and reinforce confidence in democratic institutions.
Public expectations
Residents of Osun State have expressed hopes that the election will reflect the genuine will of the electorate through a peaceful and transparent process.
Many voters expect all institutions involved in the election to act professionally while ensuring equal opportunities for all contestants.
Political observers also believe that maintaining neutrality among security agencies will be essential in preventing post-election disputes and preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, attention will remain focused on the commitments of electoral authorities and security agencies to deliver a peaceful governorship election that meets national and international democratic standards.
The Inspector-General of Police is yet to issue a formal public response specifically addressing the campaign council’s request. However, the Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly assured Nigerians during previous elections of its commitment to professionalism, neutrality and the protection of lives and property during electoral exercises.
As preparations continue, stakeholders across party lines are expected to sustain engagement with electoral and security institutions to ensure that the Osun governorship election is conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Sources:
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Vanguard News
- The Nation Newspaper
- Channels Television
