Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned political parties against instigating violence ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, pledging that anyone involved in criminal acts will face the law.
Disu gave the warning during a visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, before meeting with political parties and their representatives at the Osun State Police Command Headquarters.
The IGP said he had been briefed by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on security concerns, including allegations that some wanted criminal suspects were being shielded by influential individuals.
He also said he had received complaints from political parties and assured them that the police would act promptly on all legitimate concerns to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
Addressing party representatives, Disu disclosed that more than 20 people had been killed in politically related violence in recent months.
“If my count is correct, over 20 people have been killed within several months. I have a lot of reports against this party and that party.
“I have listened to the Commissioner of Police, who even gave me a brief. He said that some of the people he is looking for are being held at Government House. That is strange to me,” he said.
The IGP said he raised the allegation with Governor Adeleke, who assured him that anyone found committing a crime should be arrested, regardless of their relationship to him.
“Luckily for me, I mentioned this to the governor and he replied that even if I found his child committing a crime, I should arrest him,” Disu said, noting that the assurance was given in the presence of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone IX and Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan.
He warned that the police would not tolerate political violence or impunity during the election.
“Nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free. You can’t kill a person and think you can walk around freely. That is why I left Abuja to come here and talk with you today.
“This is an election; we are not preparing for war. We are going to campaign, we will provide security for you, and the election will hold in this state,” he said.
Responding, Governor Adeleke denied shielding criminal elements and challenged the police to arrest anyone linked to him who is found violating the law.
“If you see any of my people committing crime, arrest them. These lies here and there are just lies. Look, if it is my son committing crime, arrest him. That is why I am saying this in front of you. But you should not be playing all these games,” the governor said.
Adeleke also alleged that he had received intelligence suggesting that members of the opposition would attempt to instigate violence before the election.
“I have a security report that in two weeks, they (APC) will start shooting again, so that people can be scared, but I am glad that the IGP is here and he has assured a violence-free election. I will continue to cooperate with the police; the police is our friend,” he said.
