Osun Election: IGP Disu Breaks Silence On Why Gotan Was Removed

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has explained that Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, was asked to step aside ahead of the August 15 governorship election to strengthen public confidence in the neutrality of the police command.

Disu said the decision followed complaints from political parties over the perceived impartiality of the command, adding that it was not a disciplinary measure against Gotan but a precautionary step aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent election.

The IGP disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while meeting a delegation of civil society organisations led by the Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, to discuss security preparations for the Osun election.

According to Disu, the Electoral Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, has assumed responsibility for election security in the state, while the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the election is expected to take up his assignment.

He said the police also acted after intelligence indicated a rise in political violence in parts of Osun, with rival cult groups allegedly linked to political actors reportedly involved in some incidents.

Disu said the police had begun deploying personnel ahead of the election and that he personally visited Osun to engage political parties, students and parents on measures to prevent electoral violence.

He explained that the decision to replace Gotan temporarily followed complaints from some political actors who said they no longer had confidence in the command.

14,692 Police Officers for Osun Poll

The IGP also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force plans to deploy at least four officers to each of the 3,673 polling units across Osun State.

With 30 local government areas and 332 wards in the state, the deployment would amount to a minimum of 14,692 police officers, excluding personnel from other security agencies participating in the election.

Disu said the deployment would be larger than that used during the recent governorship election in Ekiti State because of the heightened tension surrounding the Osun poll.

He explained that the large number of polling units and the security concerns surrounding the election informed the decision to increase police deployment.

Police to Keep Senior Officers’ Locations Secret

Disu further revealed that senior officers deployed for the election may not know the specific local government areas where they will operate until shortly before the election.

He said the measure was designed to prevent politicians from identifying security personnel assigned to particular areas and attempting to influence them.

According to the IGP, the police would continue to make changes to deployments where intelligence suggests that officers may have been compromised.

Disu reiterated that the police would remain neutral throughout the election, describing the Osun poll as an important test of the Force’s professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He warned officers against compromising the electoral process, saying personnel found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.

The IGP also appealed to parents to discourage their children from participating in election-related violence, stressing that no political contest was worth the loss of life.

He similarly urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the election.

Disu warned that anyone who violated the Electoral Act or other relevant laws would face prosecution.

He also said politicians and other individuals would not be allowed to move around with police escorts during the election, as part of measures aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all participants.