Police crackdown on political thugs boosts confidence ahead of Osun election

With less than two months to the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the arrest of suspected political thugs by the Nigeria Police has been hailed as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb election-related violence, with the Imole Campaign Council saying the security crackdown has restored public confidence and strengthened prospects for a peaceful, free and credible poll.

The council said the recent security operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigeria Police to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring a violence-free electoral process. It noted that the ongoing arrests have reassured residents that law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal decisively with individuals seeking to disrupt the election.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council described the arrests as “a step in the right direction” and one that signals the return of law and order in Osun State after months of political tension.

According to the statement, the latest security operations followed a petition submitted last Thursday in Abuja to  Tunji Disu,  the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requesting the deployment of a tactical team to tackle politically motivated killings, arrest those behind the violence, protect residents and restore peace ahead of the governorship election.

 

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The council expressed satisfaction with what it described as the swift response of the Inspector General, noting that Adegoke Fayoade Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West Zone, alongside the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11, subsequently visited Osun State to assess the security situation and issue operational directives.

Olajengbesi commended the police leadership for acting promptly on the petition, saying the visible security presence and ongoing arrests have strengthened public confidence that voters will be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear of violence, intimidation or coercion.

“The arrest of notorious political thugs is a step in the right direction and signals the return of law and order to our state,” the statement said.

He added that the swift intervention by the police has demonstrated that security agencies remain committed to enforcing law and order throughout the election period while guaranteeing the safety of lives and property across the state.

The council maintained that the improved security atmosphere has boosted the morale of residents and encouraged eligible voters to participate actively in the August 15 governorship election.

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It also urged Osun residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant, expressing confidence that with sustained security operations, the state is on course for a peaceful, free and credible governorship election.