The Imole Campaign Council for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election has urged Tunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to address Osun residents and assure them of a peaceful and violence-free governorship election, following concerns over the reinstatement of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan as the state police chief.

The campaign council, in a statement on Monday, described the development as “worrisome”, alleging that Gotan’s previous tenure in the state was characterised by harassment, human rights violations, arbitrary arrests and intimidation of political opponents.

It called on the police authorities to guarantee neutrality and professionalism among security personnel ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, warning that any perception of bias could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The council alleged that Gotan was moved to the Force Headquarters last Thursday following public outrage over the arrest and detention of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and other political figures.

According to the campaign, Igbalaye was later released, and items taken from his residence were returned, arguing that the development raised questions about the conduct and motivation behind the police action.

“The immediate release of the SSG and the return of items taken from his house showed how politically motivated and unprofessional the action was,” the council alleged, accusing Gotan of targeting opposition figures to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the election.

The campaign further claimed that Commissioner of Police Samuel Etaifo was subsequently posted to Osun as Gotan’s replacement but was restricted to supervising election duties after the IGP reinstated Gotan following alleged pressure from APC stakeholders.

The council said security agencies must remain independent and impartial to guarantee a credible election, urging the police leadership not to allow intimidation, arbitrary arrests or harassment of political opponents to influence the outcome of the poll.

“As a campaign council, we affirm that security agencies must remain neutral and professional to achieve credibility and fairness in any election,” it said.

The group urged the IGP to demonstrate commitment to democratic principles by ensuring that police officers deployed across Osun operate without favour or prejudice.

“The IGP must address the people of Osun State and assure them of a violence-free poll on August 15, 2026. He must back his words with action and ensure the neutrality and impartiality of his men throughout the election,” the council said.

The campaign added that the international community would be watching the conduct of the election, stressing that democracy depends on political competition, respect for opposing views and the protection of voters’ rights.

“The use of arrest and detention as tools of oppression of the opposition must end. Nigerians are watching. The world is watching,” it said.

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.