The Nigeria Police Force has issued a fresh warning to political parties, governorship candidates, supporters and other stakeholders in Osun State against violence, ballot snatching, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The warning came on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, just three days before residents of the State are expected to vote to elect their next governor.
The police said they would deal firmly with individuals or groups that attempt to disrupt the election through thuggery, intimidation, violence or other unlawful activities, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The development comes amid concerns over the security situation surrounding the election, with political activities in parts of Osun having been accompanied by clashes and allegations of politically motivated violence.
In its latest statement, the Nigeria Police Force said it was determined to protect the electoral process and ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots without fear.
The statement was issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the police, all political parties, candidates and their supporters must ensure that the August 15 election is conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
The Force specifically identified ballot snatching, vote-buying, voter intimidation and violent confrontations between supporters of rival political parties as offences that would attract criminal sanctions.
The police also warned that responsibility for election-related offences would not be limited to those physically involved in acts of violence.
Sponsors, organisers and individuals who recruit or support people to perpetrate electoral crimes could equally face arrest and prosecution.
The warning is significant given the heightened political atmosphere in Osun State as the major parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the poll.
The police said political differences must not be allowed to turn into violence, urging candidates and their supporters to pursue their political ambitions through lawful democratic means.
Police Ban Amotekun, Vigilantes from Election Security
Beyond warning politicians and voters, the police also announced a major restriction on the involvement of non-state security groups in the Osun election.
The Force said organisations such as the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, neighbourhood watch groups and other community-based security formations were not authorised to participate in election security.
The police said such groups were not permitted to escort election materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints, carry weapons or perform other security duties connected with the election.
The directive effectively places election security under the responsibility of constitutionally recognised security agencies.
The Force warned political parties and candidates against recruiting, sponsoring, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups for election-related activities.
According to the police, anyone who violates the directive, including sponsors of such groups, risks arrest and prosecution.
The move comes as authorities prepare for a major security operation across the State ahead of Saturday’s poll.
The Nigeria Police Force said security personnel had been deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State.
The deployment is expected to cover polling units, collation centres and locations where sensitive electoral materials will be kept or transported.
Security personnel will also be responsible for protecting election officials, accredited observers, journalists and voters during the exercise.
Police Warn Against Weapons At Polling Units
The police further warned political actors and members of the public against taking firearms or other dangerous weapons to polling units and collation centres.
The Force said only properly authorised security personnel carrying weapons as part of their official election duties would be permitted to do so.
The warning is aimed at preventing the use of armed groups to intimidate voters, disrupt voting or influence the outcome of the election.
The police also directed officers deployed for the exercise to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
Officers were reminded to respect the rights of citizens while enforcing election laws and responding to security threats.
The Force said its objective was to create an environment in which eligible voters could exercise their franchise freely without intimidation or fear.
The police are expected to work with other statutory security and emergency agencies during the election.
These include the Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
The coordinated deployment is intended to provide security around polling locations, election officials, electoral materials and other critical points before, during and after voting.
Tension Mounts Ahead of August 15 Poll
The police warning comes against the backdrop of increasing concern over political violence in Osun State.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, had previously raised concerns about deaths allegedly linked to political violence surrounding the election, warning that failure to prosecute perpetrators could encourage further attacks.
The concerns have increased pressure on security agencies and political parties to prevent further violence as the election approaches.
The August 15 contest is therefore being closely watched by political parties, election observers, civil society organisations and residents across the State.
With only days remaining before voting begins, the police have made it clear that attempts to manipulate the process through violence, intimidation or illegal security arrangements will not be tolerated.
The Force has urged political parties and their supporters to accept the rules of the democratic process and allow voters to freely determine their choice at the ballot box.
It also assured residents, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that security agencies would work to protect the integrity of the election.
The police reiterated that anyone who attempts to undermine the exercise through ballot snatching, vote-buying, thuggery, intimidation or other electoral offences would be dealt with according to Nigerian law.
As Osun prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, the security directive places particular emphasis on preventing violence and keeping unauthorised armed or quasi-security groups away from polling and collation activities.
The authorities are now expected to maintain heightened security across the State before, during and after voting as stakeholders await the outcome of the closely watched governorship contest.