The Police Service Commission has sent a monitoring team to Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, directing police personnel deployed for the poll to maintain professionalism, neutrality and respect for citizens' rights.
The delegation is headed by retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, a member of the commission's board and Chairman of its Standing Committee on Police Matters. The team is expected to monitor police conduct and ensure officers comply with established rules guiding election duties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PSC Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu, said the monitoring exercise was intended to promote discipline and professionalism among police personnel before, during and after the election.
According to the commission, the deployment is also aimed at protecting the credibility of the electoral process and strengthening public confidence in the conduct of the election.
The PSC instructed all officers assigned to Osun to remain strictly apolitical and perform their duties without favouring any political party or candidate.
It further directed the officers to protect citizens' rights and create an environment in which voters can exercise their franchise freely and peacefully.
“The PSC delegation will ensure that officers deployed for the election strictly adhere to the guiding principles governing election duties and uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism before, during, and after the polls,” the commission said.
The commission added that police conduct must remain impartial, guided by established rules and respectful of citizens throughout the electoral process.
It warned that officers who engage in conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the election would face disciplinary action.
“The Commission reassures Nigerians that it will not hesitate to sanction any officer found compromising the credibility of the election,” the statement said.
The PSC also reiterated its expectation that all personnel on election duty would safeguard the rights of every voter and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
The monitoring exercise comes as 14 political parties prepare to participate in the Osun governorship election being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The security arrangements for the poll already include the deployment of approximately 15,000 police officers across the state.
By Adeola Kunle
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