The Nigeria Police Force has drawn a hard line ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning politicians, candidates and their supporters that violence, intimidation and electoral thuggery will be met with arrest and prosecution.
In a fresh security directive issued ahead of the August 15 poll, the police also barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, hunters, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from taking part in election security operations.
The warning comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in the state, with rival parties intensifying their campaigns and concerns growing over the possibility of violence before, during and after the election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the position of the police in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the Force, there would be no room for political influence when it comes to enforcing the law during the election.
The police specifically identified ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between supporters of rival political parties as offences that would not be tolerated.
It warned that both those who carry out electoral violence and individuals who sponsor or encourage such acts would be held accountable.
“The Nigeria Police Force notes recurring election offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters, and stresses that none of these will be tolerated.”
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the directive is the police decision to exclude Amotekun and other non-state security formations from election duties.
The Force said security arrangements for the election would be handled exclusively by constitutionally recognised security agencies.
This means Amotekun personnel, vigilantes, hunters, neighbourhood watch groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force and similar formations are not permitted to guard polling units, escort election materials, establish checkpoints or carry weapons in connection with the election.
The police also warned political parties and candidates against attempting to circumvent the directive by recruiting or deploying members of such groups.
Any political actor found arming, sponsoring or using an unauthorised security outfit during the election, the Force said, would face the law.
“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” the police warned.
The directive also prohibits firearms, dangerous weapons and other offensive materials around polling units and collation centres.
The only exception applies to weapons lawfully carried by accredited security personnel assigned to election duties.
The police further warned that anyone attempting to obstruct electoral officials, interfere with election materials, engage in hate speech or incite violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
The message was directed not only at political foot soldiers but also at the politicians who may be tempted to deploy them.
The Force made it clear that political affiliation or status would not shield anyone accused of attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
That warning could prove particularly significant as the election approaches, with political tensions in Osun already producing heated exchanges and allegations between rival camps.
To strengthen security around the election, the police said personnel would be deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State.
The operation will involve several statutory security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
Their responsibilities will include securing polling units and collation centres, protecting electoral officials, voters, observers and journalists, as well as providing security during the movement of sensitive election materials.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed officers deployed for the exercise to remain professional, impartial and firm while respecting the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Beyond politicians and security personnel, the Force urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, journalists, election observers and residents to play their part by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
The police assured voters that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to enable eligible residents to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
With the August 15 election drawing closer, the security directive sends a clear message: the police intend to keep control of the streets, polling units and election process — and they are warning politicians not to test the limits.
“The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State governorship election.”
- Media Report