Police Deploy New CP to Osun Ahead of Governorship Poll

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a new Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, replacing Ibrahim Gotan as preparations for the poll continue.

The change was confirmed on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, who said the new commissioner would oversee security arrangements during the election.

The police did not give an official reason for the redeployment of Gotan. However, the development comes after months of criticism from the Osun State Government, political parties and civil society organisations, which had questioned his handling of politically related matters in the state.

The transfer also followed the release of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who regained his freedom less than 24 hours after he was arrested with five others during a police operation at his residence. The operation was linked to allegations of vote-buying and the alleged harbouring of a wanted suspect.

The arrest generated reactions from the state government and the ruling Accord Party, both of which accused security agencies of targeting government officials as the governorship election draws closer.

With the arrival of the new commissioner, the police are expected to coordinate security operations across the state before, during and after the election.

The deployment forms part of efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to maintain law and order and provide adequate security throughout the electoral process.