By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured civil society organisations (CSOs) of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting voters and maintaining a professional and neutral approach during the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Disu gave the assurance on Friday, August 7, when he met with representatives of several CSOs in Abuja to discuss security concerns and preparations for the election.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the organisations to raise concerns about voter safety, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
The delegation was led by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and included representatives of YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa and CLEEN Foundation, among others.
Disu said the concerns and recommendations presented by the organisations would receive due consideration, assuring them that necessary measures would be taken to address identified security challenges ahead of the poll.
CSOs Raise Concerns Over Voter Safety, Violence
The CSOs drew the attention of the IGP to issues they considered important to the conduct of a peaceful and credible election in the state.
Among the concerns raised were the protection of voters at polling units, the possibility of political violence and the spread of misinformation that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The organisations also stressed the need to ensure that vulnerable groups are able to participate in the election without intimidation, discrimination or unnecessary barriers.
Their concerns come as stakeholders intensify preparations for the August 15 poll, which will be the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections.
Disu acknowledged the concerns and said the police would take appropriate steps to address security risks identified ahead of the election.
He described the Osun election as significant to the country’s democratic process and urged all stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the poll is peaceful, credible and transparent.
Police Promise Adequate Security, Stakeholder Collaboration
The IGP assured the CSOs that adequate personnel would be deployed to polling units across Osun State to protect voters, electoral officials and other participants in the process.
He said particular attention would be given to persons with disabilities to ensure they can access polling units and participate in the election safely and without hindrance.
Disu also called for stronger cooperation between the police and civil society groups, particularly through the timely exchange of credible information before, during and after the election.
He urged stakeholders to communicate responsibly and avoid actions or statements capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening its operational preparedness and taking necessary steps to safeguard voters, electoral personnel and the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
He said sustained cooperation among security agencies, civil society organisations, political actors and other stakeholders would be essential to ensuring a peaceful election in Osun State.
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