The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to 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 contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Wednesday, August 12, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The Police said the election must be conducted peacefully, warning that anyone who attempts to disrupt the process through thuggery, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, hate speech or other forms of electoral violence would face the full weight of the law.
According to the Force, individuals involved in electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation, position or status. The Police also warned that sponsors of electoral violence would not be spared.
The Force also clarified that election security remains the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies. It warned groups such as the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, community-based security outfits, neighbourhood watch groups and other quasi-security formations against participating in election security.
The Police said such groups have no role in escorting electoral materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints or carrying arms in connection with the election.
The NPF said a joint security operation involving statutory security agencies would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with personnel deployed to secure polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.
The agencies involved include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside other relevant statutory bodies.
Political parties, candidates and members of the public were also warned against engaging, arming or deploying unauthorised security outfits for election-related purposes. The Police said anyone found culpable would be arrested and dealt with according to the law.
The Force further warned that firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials would not be allowed around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.
It added that anyone found obstructing electoral officials, unlawfully possessing election materials, engaging in thuggery, inciting violence or committing other electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Police urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, accredited observers and members of the public to support efforts to ensure a peaceful election by reporting suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency or through established emergency channels.
The Force assured the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing a secure environment where eligible voters can exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
It reiterated that the Police would remain neutral, professional and resolute, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election.
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