Osun Police Commissioner Emphasizes Arrests and Prosecution of Electoral Offenders to Ensure Free and Fair Elections

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, has highlighted the importance of arrests and prosecution of electoral offenders as a means of addressing election-related issues in the country.

Umar made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, and his team on Tuesday.

CP Umar Abba assured that the Nigeria Police will continue to play its role in enhancing the electoral process in Osun State.

He emphasized the need for collaboration to improve the electoral process, stating, “We have no other option than to partner together to ensure that the electoral process in Osun is made better.”

Referring to his experience in conducting the 2023 election in Kano State, CP Abba expressed confidence that the police’s experience would assist INEC in conducting free and fair elections in Osun State, particularly the gubernatorial election in 2026.

He underscored the importance of punishing electoral offenders through arrests and prosecution to deter future occurrences of electoral offenses.

CP Abba also noted that the police have been arresting perpetrators of electoral violence to cleanse the system and sanitize potential electoral imbalances in the state.

In his remarks, the Osun INEC REC, Dr. Agboke, emphasized the need for a robust and friendly interaction between the Osun State Police Command and INEC.

He sought collaboration with the police in engaging political parties and stakeholders to discourage vote-buying and violence.

Dr. Agboke highlighted the importance of collaboration between INEC and the Nigeria Police for electoral success, stating, “INEC can never achieve any success without security support, especially from the Nigeria Police.”

He also expressed hope that the electoral atmosphere would be devoid of tension, with offenders facing the full wrath of the law.