Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

Osun Commissioner of Police Elections, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale

Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

CP Erale Samuel Etaifo takes over security operations for August 15 poll as former CP Gotan is redeployed to Force Headquarters amid neutrality concerns.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed a new Commissioner of Police in charge of Elections, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The deployment comes as part of measures to strengthen security arrangements and ensure the neutrality of security agencies during the poll. In a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Police said the deployment reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the election. CP Etaifo will oversee the entire security architecture for the poll and coordinate election security operations with other security agencies and stakeholders.

CP Etaifo’s deployment follows the redeployment of the former Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on special duty. His redeployment was conveyed in a police wireless message issued by the Force Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday and marked “Most Immediate,” with a directive for immediate implementation. The move comes after persistent calls from the state government and civil society organisations for Gotan’s removal over allegations of partisanship. The Accord Party had accused the police of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members and top government officials ahead of the election. According to the party, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the police, with some reportedly moved to Abuja. However, a senior police source clarified that the redeployment was not linked to any specific allegation against CP Gotan and that he may be redeployed back to the state after the election. Sources familiar with the development also noted that Erale’s posting came shortly after his promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police, having been decorated with his new rank on July 21.

READ ALSO:

According to the Osun Command, CP Etaifo will ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and other extant laws guiding the electoral process. The police assured residents that comprehensive security measures have been put in place across the state to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election. All officers deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation. The Command also issued a strong warning to political actors and their supporters, stating that electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency channels. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the will of the people prevails through a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has reiterated that INEC has no preferred candidate for the election, assuring that the Commission will provide a level playing field for all candidates and parties. He urged residents to come out en masse and vote, assuring that adequate security will be provided. “The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate. Our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo. During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Amupitan declared that the next governor of Osun State would emerge through the ballot and not through violence. “We don’t want violence. And the blood of every Osun citizen is not worth to be shed, just for the purpose of election to the office of the governor,” he said. The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission had identified 11 Local Government Areas as potential flashpoints that would receive specialised, high-visibility security deployment. These include Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ila, Osogbo, Ifelodun, and Oriade local government areas. “Security forces have been issued strict operational directives to neutralise thuggery, cult activities, and any attempt at ballot disruption, while maintaining absolute professional neutrality,” Amupitan stated.

According to INEC, the election will feature 2,339,233 registered voters spread across 30 Local Government Areas, 332 Registration Areas (Wards), and 3,763 Polling Units in the state. Fourteen political parties will participate in the contest. A total of 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been customised and deployed for the election, including 664 dedicated backup units representing a 15% operational reserve. All polling unit result sheets (Form EC8A) will be scanned and uploaded directly from the polling unit to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), guaranteeing public transparency from the moment voting closes. The Commission also announced that a statewide Mock Accreditation Exercise is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, across 12 selected Local Government Areas to test its preparedness ahead of the governorship election.