With less than two months to the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, the arrest of suspected political thugs by the Nigeria Police has been hailed as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb election-related violence, with the Imole Campaign Council saying the security crackdown has restored public confidence and strengthened prospects for a peaceful, free and credible poll.
The council said the recent security operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigeria Police to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring a violence-free electoral process. It noted that the ongoing arrests have reassured residents that law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal decisively with individuals seeking to disrupt the election.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council described the arrests as “a step in the right direction” and one that signals the return of law and order in Osun State after months of political tension.
According to the statement, the latest security operations followed a petition submitted last Thursday in Abuja to Tunji Disu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requesting the deployment of a tactical team to tackle politically motivated killings, arrest those behind the violence, protect residents and restore peace ahead of the governorship election.
