NEWS
IGP Orders Arrest of Vote Buyers as Police Restrict Movement Across State
IGP Orders Arrest of Vote Buyers as Police Restrict Movement Across State
-
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a statewide restriction of movement from midnight on Friday as part of sweeping security measures for Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
-
Helicopters, drones, Police Mobile Force squadrons and Special Protection Units have been deployed across the state’s 30 local government areas to secure voters, electoral officials and sensitive election materials.
-
The Inspector-General of Police has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone caught engaging in vote buying, electoral violence or other poll-related offences.
-
Police have assured residents of neutrality and professionalism, urging eligible voters to come out peacefully while warning politicians and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the election.
August 14, () — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a statewide restriction of movement across Osun State from midnight on Friday as security agencies intensify preparations for Saturday’s high-stakes governorship election.
reports that the movement restriction is part of an extensive security operation aimed at guaranteeing a peaceful, credible and violence-free poll while facilitating the deployment of personnel, election materials and tactical assets across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension following weeks of fierce campaigns, allegations of vote buying, isolated incidents of violence, legal disputes and intense rivalry among political parties contesting the governorship election.
Addressing journalists during a security briefing at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu, said only security personnel, election officials, emergency responders and eligible voters travelling to polling units would be allowed to move during the restriction period.
“We will be locking down the state. We will not be allowing any vehicular movement apart from those on essential duty, security duties and those going to cast their franchise,” Iniedu stated.
He explained that the temporary restriction was necessary to prevent the movement of criminal elements, ensure the safe distribution of sensitive election materials and enable security personnel to effectively monitor the electoral process.
Iniedu disclosed that the police had activated extensive surveillance operations, including the deployment of helicopters and drones, to provide aerial monitoring of the election and support rapid response to any security threat.
Read Also:
Osun Election: Akwa Ibom CP Warns Police Officers Against Extortion, Partisanship
Osun Decides: Police Move To Calm NYSC Fears, Guarantee Maximum Security For Election Duty
ADC Alleges Plot to Arrest Aregbesola Ahead of Saturday’s Osun Election
According to him, a Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadron has been deployed to each of the 30 local government areas, with every squadron placed under the command of an Assistant Commissioner of Police and supervised by Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Police assigned specifically to election duty.
He further revealed that two combat-ready PMF units had been stationed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osun State to protect sensitive electoral materials and critical infrastructure.
In addition, seven detachments of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) have been assigned to escort election materials and provide security for INEC officials before, during and after the governorship poll.
IG Orders Arrest Of Vote Buyers
The police spokesman warned politicians, party agents and voters against engaging in vote buying or any other electoral offence, revealing that the Inspector-General of Police had issued clear directives for the immediate arrest and prosecution of offenders.
He stressed that no individual would be spared if found violating the Electoral Act or attempting to undermine the integrity of the election.
To enhance transparency and accountability, Iniedu disclosed that the Force had activated a 24-hour election monitoring and complaints centre where members of the public could report misconduct involving police personnel deployed for election duties.
He assured residents that officers found compromising their responsibilities or violating electoral laws would face disciplinary measures after investigation.
“Our constitutional responsibility is to protect lives and property and ensure that every eligible voter exercises his or her civic right without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Parents Warned Against Underage Voting
The police also appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that underage children were not used for electoral violence or presented for voting.
Eligible voters were encouraged to come out peacefully and perform their civic responsibility, with assurances that adequate security arrangements had been made around polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations across the state.
Iniedu added that the Force had held engagement sessions with political stakeholders, election officials and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving as ad hoc electoral personnel to reassure them of their safety throughout the exercise.
He also disclosed that welfare and logistics for officers deployed for election duty had been fully addressed to enable them to discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially.
Responding to questions on a shooting incident reported in parts of the state on Thursday, the FPRO said the command had yet to receive a comprehensive operational report but promised that updates would be provided after investigations.
He acknowledged that police had received reports of politically motivated clashes in some parts of Osun in recent weeks, noting that while some suspects had already been arraigned, investigations into other cases were ongoing.
Background
Saturday’s governorship election is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle polls ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 1,906,390 registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are eligible to participate in the election.
Although 15 governorship candidates are on the ballot, political analysts consider the race largely a three-way contest involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Dr Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The outcome of the election is widely expected to influence Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, making Saturday’s poll a critical test of the country’s democratic institutions, electoral management system and security architecture.
