The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has engaged representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on security concerns ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The meeting, held on Thursday, August 7, 2026, brought together a delegation led by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), alongside representatives of YIAGA Africa, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, CLEEN Foundation and other civil society groups.
During the engagement, the CSOs presented observations and recommendations on election security, focusing on voter protection, political violence, misinformation and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
Responding, IGP Disu assured the delegation that the concerns raised would receive due consideration, stressing the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality throughout the election.
He said adequate security personnel would be deployed across polling units, with special attention given to persons with disabilities to ensure their safe and unhindered participation.
While noting that the Osun governorship poll is the last off-cycle election before the 2027 General Elections, the Inspector-General of Police called on all stakeholders to support a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process that would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
He also urged continued collaboration between the police and civil society organisations through the timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to strengthening operational preparedness and safeguarding the democratic process throughout the electoral period.
