Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has warned political parties against instigating violence ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, assuring residents that security agencies are prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
Disu issued the warning during a visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo before meeting with political parties at the Osun State Police Command headquarters.
The IGP said he had been briefed by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on security concerns, including allegations that some wanted criminal suspects were being shielded by influential individuals.
He added that he had listened to complaints from political parties and assured them that the police would promptly address all legitimate concerns to guarantee a peaceful election.
Responding, Governor Adeleke denied allegations that his administration was harbouring criminal elements, urging the police to arrest anyone found culpable, regardless of their relationship with him.
> “If you see any of my people committing crime, arrest them. These lies here and there are just lies. Look, if it is my son committing crime, arrest him. That is why I am saying this in front of you. But you should not be playing all these games,” the governor said.
Adeleke further alleged that he had received intelligence suggesting that violence was being planned ahead of the election.
> “I have a security report that in two weeks, they (APC) will start shooting again, so that people can be scared, but I am glad that the IGP is here and he has assured a violence-free election. I will continue to cooperate with the police; the police is our friend,” he added.
Addressing representatives of political parties, the IGP disclosed that more than 20 people had reportedly been killed in politically related violence in recent months.
> “If my count is correct, over 20 people have been killed within several months. I have a lot of reports against this party and that party,” Disu said.
He revealed that the Commissioner of Police had informed him that some wanted suspects were allegedly being sheltered at the Government House, a claim he said he raised directly with Governor Adeleke.
> “Luckily for me, I mentioned this to the Governor and he replied that even if I found his child committing a crime, I should arrest him,” the IGP said.
Disu stressed that no one would be allowed to evade justice.
> “Nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free. You can’t kill a person and think you can walk around freely. That is why I left Abuja to come here and talk with you today. This is an election, not war. We will campaign, provide security and ensure the election holds peacefully,” he stated.
He warned all political actors to refrain from violence, emphasising that human life is sacred and anyone found disrupting public peace would face the full weight of the law.
Speaking on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Commissioner for Local Government, Adebayo Adeleke, accused the state government of shielding political thugs and interfering in police operations.
He alleged that police commissioners who refused to cooperate with the government were redeployed through petitions and claimed that members of the Amotekun Corps had been used to perpetrate political violence.
Adeleke further alleged that several APC members were killed without justice being served and urged security agencies to bar Amotekun personnel from participating in election security. He also presented photographs of alleged victims to support the party’s claims.
However, speaking for the Accord Party, House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam rejected the APC’s allegations, accusing the opposition party of sponsoring violence across the state.
He alleged that APC thugs were responsible for attacks on Accord supporters in Akoda, Owode-Ede, Ikire and other communities, including the killing of party officials and supporters.
Salam maintained that the Accord Party would participate peacefully in the election and expressed confidence that it would emerge victorious because of widespread public support.
The IGP reiterated that security agencies would remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process, warning that anyone involved in violence or criminal acts before, during or after the election would be arrested and prosecuted.
