Ibrahim Gotan, the Commissioner of Police for Osun State, has appealed to political groups and election candidates to maintain order as the gubernatorial vote approaches. During a meeting at the Osogbo police headquarters, Gotan emphasized that a successful, transparent election requires a joint commitment to peace from all participants.
The commissioner stated that all campaigns and rallies must be reported to security services in advance. This coordination allows officers to manage traffic and provide sufficient protection at political events. He warned against the vandalism of political signage, noting that destroying campaign materials is illegal and likely to incite further friction.
Gotan advised against holding political events late at night due to increased security risks and surveillance difficulties. He reminded all parties that campaign activities must adhere to the Electoral Act. Furthermore, he explicitly condemned the use of political thugs and violence, insisting that democratic processes should be defined by policy debates rather than intimidation. The commissioner also discouraged the use of inflammatory language and urged leaders to prevent their followers from engaging in disruptive or criminal behavior to ensure a stable environment for the election.
