Nigerian Police Warn Parties Against Violence, Ballot Snatching, Others Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election
12th August, 2026 | News
Police Warn Politicians Against Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
The Nigeria Police Force has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against engaging in violence, voter intimidation, vote-buying, ballot snatching and other forms of electoral malpractice ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The police said anyone found involved in electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation or status.
The warning was issued amid heightened political tension in Osun State following reports of clashes involving supporters of rival political groups. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had earlier raised concerns over reported politically motivated killings linked to the election and warned that the situation could worsen if perpetrators were not brought to justice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the police would not tolerate attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence, thuggery or intimidation.
The Force specifically identified ballot snatching, vote-buying, voter intimidation and clashes between rival supporters as electoral offences that would attract criminal sanctions.
The police also warned political parties and candidates against recruiting, arming or deploying unauthorised security groups for election-related activities.
According to the Force, groups such as the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, vigilante organisations, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits and other non-state security formations are not authorised to participate in election security.
The police said election security would be handled by constitutionally recognised agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
Security personnel have reportedly been deployed across all 30 local government areas of Osun State to protect voters, polling units, electoral officials, election materials, journalists, accredited observers and collation centres.
The Force further warned that firearms and other dangerous weapons would not be permitted around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel performing official duties.
The Inspector-General directed officers deployed for the election to remain neutral, professional and respectful of human rights while carrying out their responsibilities.
The police assured residents, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that measures had been put in place to provide a secure environment for eligible voters to freely exercise their franchise.
The latest warning comes as concerns over political violence continue to grow ahead of the Osun governorship election, with authorities urging all political actors to prioritise peace and respect the electoral process.