Osun, Ekiti Polls: IGP Assures INEC of Adequate Security, Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured adequate security provision before, during, and after the Osun, Ekiti, and other by-elections across various areas to ensure the exercises are credible, free, and fair.
Playing host to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, IGP Disu pledged stricter professionalism and zero tolerance for misconduct during the elections.
The meeting, where both institutions aligned strategies for a peaceful and credible electoral process, had in attendance members of the Force Management Team and top INEC officials. It focused on strengthening the nation’s electoral security architecture, with particular attention to the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, upcoming by-elections, and the 2027 general elections.
The IGP described the engagement as timely and critical to democratic stability, noting that the police had already activated strategic measures to address emerging threats.
He said, “This engagement is a timely intervention in our collective effort to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process,” disclosing that the Force has commenced precision intelligence mapping aimed at neutralising political violence, cult-related activities, and voter intimidation.
According to him, “We have activated strategic measures, including precision intelligence mapping to neutralise political violence, cult-related activities, and all forms of intimidation that may undermine the electoral process. We are undertaking robust planning to guarantee the safe movement of electoral materials and personnel, while also harmonising communication with sister security agencies to ensure a seamless operational front.”
On the issue of misinformation, Disu revealed, “We are also intensifying efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation capable of inciting unrest or undermining public confidence in the electoral system.”
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism, the IGP pledged, “All personnel deployed for election duty will be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act. There will be zero tolerance for professional misconduct. Any officer found wanting or engaging in acts that undermine the credibility of the polls will be disciplined in accordance with the law.”
Disu also disclosed that officers are currently undergoing rigorous training focused on rules of engagement and the protection of human rights, adding, “As the lead agency in election security management, we are committed to maintaining public order while upholding the rights of all citizens.”
“We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all citizens, particularly Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Living with Disabilities, to freely exercise their franchise,” he added.
Earlier, Prof. Amupitan underscored the importance of proactive security planning and specialised training for election duty personnel.
He said, “There is an urgent need for proactive security measures and specialised training for personnel to ensure the credibility of our elections.
“We must guarantee a secure environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Living with Disabilities to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or hindrance,” he remarked.
