August 12, 2026 | Politics | SUNTV Global Channel
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to political parties, governorship candidates and their supporters against violence, ballot snatching, vote-buying, voter intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, amid growing concerns over political tension and alleged clashes involving supporters of rival political parties.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, said the police would take decisive action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
The police said anyone involved in violence, thuggery, intimidation, ballot snatching or other electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The Force also warned against vote-buying and clashes between supporters, stressing that both perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence would face the law.
The Nigeria Police Force further stated that non-state security organisations would not be allowed to participate in election security operations.
Groups specifically mentioned include the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, neighbourhood watch groups, community-based security outfits and other quasi-security formations.
According to the police, such groups are not authorised to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or carry arms during the election.
The Force warned political parties and candidates against recruiting, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups for election-related activities.
The police said security personnel have been deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to protect polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, election officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters.
The Nigeria Police Force will work alongside other statutory security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The Force also warned that firearms and other dangerous weapons would not be permitted around polling units and collation centres, except where lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing official duties.
The IGP directed officers deployed for the election to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights while enforcing the law.
The police assured residents of Osun State and other stakeholders that efforts were being made to provide a secure environment where eligible voters could cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The latest warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with stakeholders increasingly calling for restraint and peaceful participation.
SUNTV Global Channel urges all political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to reject violence and allow the people of Osun State to freely exercise their democratic rights.
