WATCH: "We removed Osun CP because politicians no longer trusted him" — IGP finally explains decision before election

• IGP Tunji Disu said Osun CP Ibrahim Gotan was removed after politicians complained they no longer trusted him ahead of the election.

• The Police introduced an Electoral Commissioner of Police to take charge of election security and boost confidence in the process.

• More senior officers, including an AIG and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, will be deployed to Osun before the poll.

• The Police say they have already deployed personnel across the state to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful governorship election on August 15, 2026.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has cleared the air on why the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, was removed just days before the state's governorship election.

According to the police boss, the decision wasn't because of any disciplinary issue or misconduct. Instead, it came after several politicians and political parties raised concerns, saying they had lost confidence in the state police commissioner ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.

Disu made this known during a press briefing that started making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

He explained that the Nigeria Police Force introduced the position of an Electoral Commissioner of Police specifically to oversee election security in Osun and ensure all parties have confidence in the process.

READ ALSO: Flying to Canada from Nigeria could soon become faster and cheaper after major air travel deal

"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."

The IGP also revealed that more senior police officers will arrive in Osun before election day to strengthen security arrangements.

"The AIG in charge of the 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.

READ ALSO: “We need at least ₦500,000” — NLC, TUC return to minimum wage negotiation with FG

Disu said all officers deployed for the exercise have already received clear instructions on how to handle the election professionally.

"They have specific instructions. We the police are in charge of internal security. We are the lead organisation in charge of this election," he stated.

While the police will lead security operations, the IGP said they won't be working alone.

"Yes, we are going to cooperate with other sister agencies who are going to support us during this election," he said.

Speaking on fears of possible violence, Disu assured residents that security personnel have already been deployed across different parts of Osun State to maintain peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, the deployments are meant to stop any breakdown of law and order and ensure eligible voters can cast their ballots without intimidation.

The Osun governorship election will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party, will face the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.