IGP Speaks On Osun CP’s Sudden Removal, Reveals Reason

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has explained that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, was asked to step aside following complaints from political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the state’s August 15 governorship election.

Disu disclosed this during a press briefing that circulated widely on social media on Sunday.

According to the IGP, the decision followed concerns from politicians who reportedly expressed a loss of confidence in the state’s police leadership ahead of the election.

He said the Nigeria Police Force subsequently deployed an Electoral Commissioner of Police to take charge of security arrangements for the poll.

“For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police,” Disu said.

He explained that the move was intended to strengthen confidence in the security arrangements and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

“So, the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the electoral commissioner of police moved in earlier,” the IGP added.

More Senior Officers Deployed

Disu also disclosed that additional senior police officers would be deployed to Osun as part of preparations for the election.

“The AIG in charge of election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in,” he said.

The police chief said officers deployed for the election had received specific directives on maintaining law and order and preventing violence before, during and after the poll.

“They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge of this election,” Disu stated.

He, however, noted that the police would collaborate with other security agencies participating in the election.

“Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election,” he said.

Police Move to Prevent Election Violence

Addressing concerns over possible violence, Disu said police personnel had already been deployed to various parts of Osun State ahead of the election.

He said the increased security presence was aimed at preventing attacks, maintaining public order and ensuring that voters could exercise their franchise without fear.

The August 15 governorship election will feature incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (A) seeking another term.

He will face several challengers, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.