Police replace Osun Commissioner ahead of governorship election amid rising political tension

The Nigeria Police Force has redeployed the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, and appointed Samuel Erale as his replacement ahead of the August 15 governorship election, a move that comes amid heightened political tension and growing calls for neutrality in election security.

Although the Police have not officially linked the redeployment to recent controversies surrounding the outgoing commissioner, the leadership change follows months of criticism over his handling of politically sensitive matters in the state.

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, is expected to coordinate security operations before, during and after the keenly contested governorship election.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the new commissioner had been assigned to the state but was yet to formally assume office.

“What we have is that an election Commissioner of Police is being deployed to Osun State. Although he is yet to report or assume office,” Ojelabi said.

Sources indicated that the outgoing commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, has been posted to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on a special assignment.

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The redeployment comes shortly after police released the Osun State Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who was arrested during a controversial operation linked to alleged vote-buying and the search for a wanted suspect.

The operation sparked widespread political reactions, with the Osun State Government and the ruling Accord Party accusing the police of acting with political motives. The Police, however, maintained that the operation formed part of a lawful criminal investigation.

Civil society organisations had also intensified calls for the removal of the former commissioner, alleging that his command failed to demonstrate neutrality in handling politically sensitive incidents ahead of the election.

The latest redeployment has revived memories of the 2022 Osun governorship election, when the then Commissioner of Police was similarly replaced shortly before the polls following concerns over fairness and impartiality.

Political observers say the change in police leadership underscores the importance of maintaining public confidence in the security architecture ahead of the election.

The August 15 governorship poll is expected to be closely contested, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking re-election against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, alongside candidates from 12 other political parties.

Security agencies are expected to play a critical role in ensuring a peaceful, free and credible electoral process across the state.