The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Friday met with representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to discuss security arrangements ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election, scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The CSO delegation was led by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and included representatives from YIAGA Africa, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Kimpact Development Initiative, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Partners West Africa, and CLEEN Foundation, among other organisations.
During the meeting, the CSOs raised a range of concerns around election security — including voter protection, the risk of political violence, the spread of misinformation, and the participation of vulnerable groups in the electoral process. According to police, the IGP told the delegation that their observations would be given due consideration, with appropriate action to follow.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the IGP used the meeting to reaffirm the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality and neutrality throughout the election. Disu reportedly assured the CSOs that adequate personnel would be deployed to polling units nationwide, with special provisions made to support persons with disabilities in exercising their franchise safely.
The IGP described the Osun poll as especially significant, noting it is the last off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 General Elections, and urged all stakeholders to support a peaceful and credible process that reinforces public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
He also called for continued collaboration between the police and civil society groups, urging timely sharing of credible information and responsible public communication before, during and after the election.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Force said it “remains committed to strengthening its operational preparedness and protecting the democratic process throughout the electoral period.”
