IGP DISU Engages CSOs On Election Security Ahead Of OSUN Governorship Poll

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has engaged representatives of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, on strategies to ensure a peaceful and secure conduct of the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election.

The engagement held on Friday, 7th August, 2026, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, 15th August, 2026.
 
The delegation of CSOs was led by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani. Other organisations present included YIAGA Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation, and other partner groups.

Speaking during the meeting, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani presented the observations of the coalition on election security.  "We have come to share our observations and recommendations regarding the security architecture for the Osun Governorship Election," Rafsanjani said. 

"Our key concerns include voter protection, prevention of political violence, tackling misinformation, and ensuring the full participation of vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities," he added.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured the CSOs that their inputs would be treated with urgency and incorporated into the operational plan for the election. "The concerns you have raised today will be given due consideration, and necessary action will be taken to address them," IGP Disu said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process. "The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality in the discharge of our duties during the Osun election," the IGP stated. 

"We will deploy adequate personnel to all polling units across the state. Special attention will also be given to persons with disabilities to ensure their safe and unhindered participation," he added.
IGP Disu described the Osun poll as significant because it is the last off cycle election before the 2027 General Elections. "This election is particularly significant as the last off cycle election before the 2027 General Elections. It is therefore important that all stakeholders work together to ensure a peaceful and credible process," he said. 


"A credible election will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy," he noted.


The police boss further urged civil society groups to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely information sharing and responsible communication. "I call for continued collaboration with CSOs. Timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during, and after the election will help us maintain peace and order," IGP Disu said.
In a statement issued after the meeting and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, anipr, the Force reiterated its commitment to securing the electoral process. "The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening its operational preparedness and protecting the democratic process throughout the electoral period," CSP Iniedu stated.



The Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on 15th August, 2026.