The Osun election neutrality debate has intensified ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, following a disagreement between the Accord Party and the Osun State Police Command over allegations of bias in security operations. While the party accused the police of failing to remain impartial, the command rejected the claims and maintained that its operations are guided by professionalism and the rule of law.
In a statement, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, alleged that security operatives had not acted impartially in handling recent incidents across the state. He claimed that some individuals accused of involvement in violent acts had not been arrested despite allegations against them, raising concerns about the conduct of security personnel ahead of the election.
Akande called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to direct an impartial investigation into recent security incidents in Osun State. He urged the police leadership to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted regardless of political affiliation. The Accord Party chairman also appealed to the police to uphold professionalism and provide a level playing field for all political parties participating in the governorship election.
Responding to the allegations, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. He stated that the Osun State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality and the rule of law, adding that the command does not provide protection for any individual, political party or criminal group.
According to Ojelabi, police operations are intelligence-driven and based on credible evidence rather than political considerations. He explained that arrests are carried out only where sufficient evidence exists to support investigations and possible prosecution. He further disclosed that several suspects connected to breaches of public peace had already been arrested, while investigations into other reported incidents remain ongoing.
Addressing allegations of selective enforcement, Ojelabi maintained that all suspects are apprehended based on reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activities. He added that political affiliation or membership of any organisation neither grants immunity from investigation nor guarantees arrest, reaffirming the command’s commitment to equal application of the law.
As preparations continue for the governorship election, the police appealed to political parties, community leaders and residents to avoid inflammatory statements capable of increasing tension. Ojelabi assured the public that the command would continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property while encouraging residents to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations. The Osun election neutrality discussion comes as stakeholders prepare for the governorship poll scheduled for August 15, 2026.
