Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate redeployment of the state’s Commissioner of Police ahead of the 2026 governorship election, citing concerns over alleged bias and lack of neutrality in the discharge of his duties.
The governor made the demand amid rising political tension and growing concerns over security in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
Adeleke raised the issue on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force sent by the Inspector-General of Police to assess the security situation in Osun following recent cases of political unrest and violence.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of the state police command, insisting that urgent changes were necessary to restore public trust and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
According to Adeleke, the current police leadership in Osun has failed to inspire confidence among residents and political stakeholders.
“The Commissioner of Police has demonstrated lack of willingness and capacity to act fairly and without partisan bias,” Adeleke said.
The governor stated that many residents across the state no longer trust the commissioner to oversee security operations in a fair and professional manner, especially as the election draws closer.
He argued that impartial policing remains critical to maintaining peace and preventing violence during the election period.
“The general consensus among Osun people is that the Commissioner of Police is compromised and should be moved out of the state. Osun seeks fair policing, impartial policing and policing based on respect for rule of law. We are not asking for any favour other than fair protection of lives and properties,” he said.
Adeleke urged the visiting delegation to relay the concerns of the state government to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
He stressed that the people of Osun want a peaceful environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
“We task you to convey our position to the police leadership of which you are an integral part. Osun people want free and fair polls. Our people seek a peaceful environment to cast their votes. We need the reshuffling of the state police command to secure impartial policing,” the governor added.
The governor maintained that his administration is not demanding special treatment but is only seeking professional policing that protects lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.
Adeleke’s call comes amid increasing pressure from residents, civil society groups and political stakeholders over concerns about security arrangements ahead of the governorship election.
Days earlier, residents in parts of Osun staged protests demanding the removal of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, over allegations of bias and partisanship.
The protesters blamed rising political violence in the state on what they described as weak enforcement and failure by security agencies to ensure accountability for politically motivated attacks.
They warned that the lack of prosecution of perpetrators has continued to embolden political thugs and deepen fears among residents.
“We are demanding the transfer of the Police Commissioner over bias as election approaches,” one of the protesters said.
Civil society organisations have also joined calls for the commissioner’s redeployment.
A coalition operating under the Network of Osun Civil Society Groups recently urged the Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action, citing concerns over alleged partisanship and unprofessional conduct within the state police command.
The group warned that public confidence in the neutrality of security agencies is gradually weakening as the election approaches.
