The Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, has called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional as the state prepares to elect its governor.
The council specifically urged National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure strict compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said the President’s directive that security agencies protect voters and maintain maximum security at polling units must be implemented without compromise. (Vanguard News)
The campaign council welcomed President Tinubu’s call for the police and other security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism during the election.
It, however, urged the police to discharge their responsibilities impartially, stressing that voters must be protected and polling units secured throughout the exercise.
“The President’s directive to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other heads of security outfits participating in the election to provide maximum security at polling units and protect voters needs to be stressed,” the council said.
The group also called on Ribadu to ensure that the presidential directive is fully enforced, insisting that security personnel must not show preference for any political party or candidate.
According to the council, anyone found attempting to disrupt the electoral process should be arrested regardless of political affiliation.
The campaign body further stressed that the credibility of the election would ultimately depend on whether voters are allowed to cast their ballots freely and whether their votes are properly protected and counted.
“Ultimately, votes must count. This is the beauty of democracy,” it said.
The call comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the Osun governorship election, with the police announcing restrictions on movement and reiterating a ban on the participation of non-state security actors in election security operations. (Vanguard News)
The election has attracted heightened political attention, with rival political actors and groups calling for a peaceful, transparent and credible exercise.
The Imole Campaign Council said neutrality by security agencies would be critical to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that the outcome reflects the will of Osun voters.
