New Commissioner of Police deployed to Osun ahead of governorship election

By Isa Isawade

A new Commissioner of Police in person of CP Erale Samuel Etaifo has been deployed to Osun ahead of the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election in the state.

This was contained in a press release by the command Friday evening by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.

According to the release, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, Psc(+), NPM, in line with his unwavering commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, has deployed CP Election, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State to oversee the security architecture for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

“The deployment underscores the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and secure atmosphere, while guaranteeing the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, media practitioners, and all law-abiding residents of the State.

“CP Erale Samuel Etaifo will coordinate election security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and all extant laws guiding the electoral process.

“The Osun State Police Command assures members of the public that adequate security measures have been emplaced across the State to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election. All officers and men deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation.

“The Command warns political actors, their supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from acts capable of undermining public order. Electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law.”

The command urged residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities through its emergency channels.

It reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the will of the people prevails through a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.

It will be recalled that some political parties in the state, especially the ruling Accord Party, had on many occasions accused CP Ibrahim Gotan of being bias against them and called for his redeployment.

The IGP Tunji Disu must have decided to be responsive in order to prove to all parties involved and the general public that the police are determined to maintain neutrality and ensure an atmosphere that gives room for a free and fair election come August 15.