The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has explained that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, was asked to step aside after political stakeholders raised concerns about their confidence in his ability to oversee the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Disu made this known during a press briefing that gained attention on X on Sunday, saying the decision followed consultations with politicians and other stakeholders in the state.
According to the IGP, the police introduced the position of an electoral commissioner of police to take direct responsibility for election security after some political groups complained about the state police commissioner.
“For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police,” Disu said.
He added, “So, the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the electoral commissioner of police moved in earlier.”
Disu further disclosed that more senior officers had been assigned specific roles ahead of the election, including an Assistant Inspector-General of Police responsible for the election and a Deputy Commissioner of Police who will oversee election operations in Osun.
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“The AIG in charge of election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in,” he said.
The IGP said the officers deployed to the state had received clear directives on maintaining security before, during and after the election, stressing that the police remained the lead agency responsible for internal security.
“They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge this election,” he stated.
He also assured that the police would coordinate with other security agencies deployed to support the electoral process.
“Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election,” he said.
Addressing concerns about possible violence, Disu said security personnel had already been deployed across Osun State as part of measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He said the deployment was intended to deter violence and provide a secure environment for voters to participate in the election without fear.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking another term against the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.