Osun 2026: Police deploy Erale as election Commissioner of Police

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the deployment was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, as part of measures to strengthen security arrangements before, during, and after the poll.

The police said the decision reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to maintaining neutrality, professionalism, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the election.

The statement added that the deployment is intended to enhance public confidence in the security architecture for the exercise.

The command explained that Etaifo would supervise election security operations across the state while working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

It stated that the collaboration would ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and other applicable laws.

According to the statement, “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 police also assured residents that comprehensive security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives, property, and sensitive electoral materials throughout the election period.

It noted that officers assigned to election duties had been instructed to remain impartial and uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

The command warned politicians, their supporters, and other stakeholders against engaging in activities capable of disrupting public order.

It identified electoral violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation, and the spread of false information as offences that would attract legal action.

“The command warns political actors, their supporters, and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from acts capable of undermining public order. Anyone involved in electoral offences will face the full weight of the law,” it stated.

Residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities through the command’s emergency communication channels to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace during the election.

The police reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the governorship election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible environment where the will of the electorate is respected.