The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, was asked to step aside after politicians raised concerns about his suitability ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Disu made this known during a press briefing that gained attention on X on Sunday. He explained that the decision followed consultations with political stakeholders who questioned their level of confidence in the state’s police commissioner.
According to the IG, the police had created a new position of electoral commissioner of police to coordinate security operations for the election, with the officer assuming responsibility ahead of the poll.
“For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police,” Disu said.
He further explained, “So, the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the electoral commissioner of police moved in earlier.”
Disu also revealed that additional senior police officers with designated roles in the election would be deployed to Osun State.
“The AIG in charge of election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in,” he said.
The Inspector-General noted that the officers assigned to the election had received clear directives to maintain security and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge this election,” he stated.
He also assured the public that the police would collaborate with other security agencies participating in the election.
“Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election,” he said.
Addressing fears of possible violence before the election, Disu said police personnel had already been positioned in different parts of the state to prevent disturbances and maintain public order.
He explained that the deployments were intended to contain potential violence and create a secure environment where residents could freely participate in the voting process.
The Osun State governorship election is set for August 15. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, is seeking another term and will face the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.