Police Commissioner Removed Due to Politicians' Complaints Ahead of Osun Election

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has said that Ibrahim Gotan, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, was removed due to complaints from politicians. This comes as the state prepares for the governorship election on August 15, 2026.

Disu shared this information during a press briefing that gained attention on X on Sunday. He explained that the decision to remove Gotan was made after talking to political leaders who raised concerns about their trust in the police commissioner.

To improve election security, the police have created a new role called the electoral commissioner of police. This new officer will manage security operations leading up to the election.

“For the first time, we introduced the electoral commissioner of police who will be taking charge of the elections earlier, when we noticed that certain groups of politicians and parties were complaining that they no longer trust the commissioner of police,” Disu said.

He added, “So, the commissioner of police was asked to stand aside while the electoral commissioner of police moved in earlier.”

Disu also mentioned that other senior police officers with specific duties for the election will be sent to the state. “The AIG in charge of election will be moving in any moment from now. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, who will be taking charge of the Osun election, will also be moving in,” he said.

He noted that the officers assigned to the election have received clear instructions to ensure proper security during the voting process. “They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge this election,” he stated.

The IG assured that the police will collaborate with other security agencies involved in the election. “Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election,” he said.

Addressing worries about potential violence before the election, Disu mentioned that police teams have already been deployed across the state to maintain peace. He emphasized that these deployments are intended to prevent violence and ensure that residents can vote safely.

The Osun governorship election is set for August 15. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is aiming for re-election against Bola Oyebamiji, known as Ambo, from the All Progressives Congress.