The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has explained the decision to ask the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Galtim, to step aside ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Disu said the decision followed concerns raised by political parties and other stakeholders over the neutrality and credibility of the security arrangement for the election.
According to the IGP, an Electoral Commissioner of Police has now been assigned to oversee security operations in Osun State, with the aim of strengthening confidence in the electoral process and ensuring a peaceful poll.
He added that additional senior police officers, including an Assistant Inspector-General of Police and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, would also be deployed to the state to reinforce security operations before, during and after the election.
The police authorities have assured residents, political parties and other stakeholders that adequate measures are being put in place to prevent violence, protect voters and maintain law and order.
Disu said the police would work closely with other security agencies to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and that all parties operate within the law.
The August 15 governorship election is expected to be closely contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebanji, among the major contenders.
The police have urged residents to remain calm, obey the law and report any suspicious activities to security authorities as preparations for the election continue.
