Osun Poll: IGP Deploys DIG to Lead Security Operations, Orders Southwest DIG to Step Aside

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has restructured the security arrangements for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, deploying the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Ishaku Muhammed, to oversee security operations before, during and after the poll.

Muhammed has reportedly left Force Headquarters in Abuja for Osun State following growing concerns over political tensions and alleged incidents of violence ahead of the August 15 election.

As part of the new arrangement, the IGP has directed the DIG in charge of the Southwest, Adegoke Fayoade, who had earlier relocated to Osun for the election, to step aside from the state and concentrate on the other five states under his command.

According to the new security arrangement, Fayoade is expected to resume responsibility for security coordination in Osun after the election.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress trading accusations over alleged political violence ahead of the poll.

The move also followed growing concerns from residents, political stakeholders and observers over the ability of security agencies to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible election.

The decision to deploy Muhammed to Osun is believed to be part of the IGP’s efforts to ensure that the police maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to address the media, said the restructuring was aimed at strengthening public confidence in the police and ensuring that the Force remains apolitical.

The officer said Fayoade had faced allegations of bias in the discharge of his duties, particularly in relation to political activities in Osun State.

He explained that the decision to bring in Muhammed was intended to prevent any perception of favouritism and establish a security framework that could serve as a model for subsequent elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Another senior police officer in the Southwest said the IGP’s latest measures demonstrated the importance attached to the Osun election, describing it as a major test for the police ahead of the 2027 elections.

She said the decision to remove the former Osun Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, and replace him with CP Samuel Erale, followed concerns raised by political stakeholders over alleged partisanship.

She added that the IGP was determined to ensure that the police were not only seen to be neutral but also demonstrated neutrality in their conduct.

Muhammed’s assignment, according to another senior officer, is to coordinate police operations with other security agencies and ensure that personnel deployed for the election adhere strictly to professional and electoral guidelines.

The DIG is also expected to supervise the conduct of police personnel, enforce neutrality and coordinate the overall deployment throughout the election period.

The development follows the IGP’s approval for the deployment of four police officers to each of the 3,673 polling units across Osun State for the election.

The IGP has also directed the Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, to coordinate operations from the central monitoring centre in Abuja.

The central monitoring arrangement will also cover show-of-force operations aimed at deterring violence and other activities capable of disrupting the election.

In addition, roadblocks and other movement-control measures have reportedly been put in place to restrict unauthorised movement on election day.

Sources said the measures were designed to prevent political actors from moving around with unauthorised security personnel or armed escorts, which security agencies have identified as possible channels for electoral offences, including vote buying, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching and thuggery.

The police have consequently urged political actors, candidates, supporters and residents to comply with the electoral guidelines and security measures throughout the election period.