Security has been significantly tightened across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying more than 15,000 personnel and 30 Commissioners of Police to oversee security operations across the state.
The massive security deployment is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, while additional senior police officers have been assigned to the state’s 30 Local Government Areas to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment.
Police authorities said the deployment began about three weeks before the election as part of efforts to prevent violence, intimidation, ballot box snatching, vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The security arrangement also includes armed units of the Police Mobile Force stationed across the Local Government Areas. Each of the 30 Local Government Areas is expected to have a dedicated mobile police unit, while additional personnel have been deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Osogbo.
Authorities have also brought in a police helicopter and drone surveillance unit to monitor activities across the state before, during and immediately after voting. The aerial surveillance is expected to strengthen the ability of security agencies to detect suspicious movements and respond quickly to potential threats.
The security agencies have further announced restrictions on vehicular movement into and within Osun State during the election period. Border routes into the state are expected to be heavily monitored, with movement restricted to people performing essential duties, security personnel and eligible voters travelling to exercise their franchise.
The intensified security operation comes amid growing concerns over the possibility of electoral violence and voter inducement. Security officials have warned residents, political supporters and other stakeholders to avoid actions capable of disrupting the election.
The police also disclosed that about 34 illegal firearms had been recovered in the state as part of efforts to prevent armed groups and criminal elements from interfering with the electoral process. Investigations into the recovered weapons are reportedly continuing.
Meanwhile, concerns over alleged vote buying have also emerged in several parts of Osogbo. Some residents and traders reportedly claimed that individuals presenting themselves as political canvassers had distributed cash to voters while seeking their support. Allegations of cash distributions ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 have been made, although such claims remain allegations and do not by themselves establish which political parties were responsible.
Political parties have continued to deny involvement in vote buying, while electoral authorities have warned that both offering and accepting money in exchange for votes are offences under Nigerian electoral law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also urged political parties and candidates to respect the peace agreement signed ahead of the election and to avoid actions capable of provoking violence. The commission said it had assessed the security situation and engaged political parties, traditional institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders as part of preparations for the poll.
INEC has assured voters that preparations for the election are progressing, with electoral materials being distributed and accreditation technology prepared for use. The commission has also urged voters to reject misinformation and disinformation and report irregularities through appropriate channels.
The election is expected to attract significant attention as Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam remain among the prominent contenders in the race.
With security agencies taking control of major movement routes and deploying thousands of personnel across the state, Osun is effectively entering a highly restricted election period designed to protect voters and prevent disruptions.
INEC has disclosed that more than 1.9 million Permanent Voter Cards have been collected by registered voters in the state, representing more than 80 per cent of the registered voting population. This means a large number of eligible voters are expected to participate in the election.
As residents prepare to head to polling units, authorities have urged them to remain peaceful, obey security instructions and avoid carrying weapons or engaging in confrontations with political opponents.
The success of the election will ultimately depend not only on the huge security presence but also on the conduct of voters, political parties, candidates and electoral officials. With thousands of security personnel on the ground, all eyes will now be on Osun as voters prepare to decide who will lead the state.
