Osun Governorship Election: Nigeria Police Force Bars Amotekun

• The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations for the Osun State governorship election.
• The police have emphasized that these groups have no role in securing the election and warned against engaging or deploying them for election-related purposes.
• Any member or sponsor of unauthorized security outfits deployed for election-related activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations have no role in election security.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to all stakeholders involved in the upcoming Osun State governorship election, prohibiting non-state security outfits, including Amotekun, from participating in security operations. The police have emphasized that these groups have no role in securing the election and have warned against engaging or deploying them for election-related purposes. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure peace and order during the election, with the police urging all stakeholders to comply with the directive in the interest of maintaining a peaceful environment. Any member or sponsor of unauthorized security outfits deployed for election-related activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that election security is the sole responsibility of constitutionally recognized security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others. The joint security deployment will cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centers, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters. This emphasis on constitutional authority is a critical aspect of the police's efforts to maintain order during the election, as they seek to prevent any disruptions or violence that could compromise the integrity of the process.

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the election through violence, intimidation, or thuggery will face the full weight of the law. This includes ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters, which are considered recurring electoral offenses. The police have made it clear that any person involved in such offenses, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status. This stern warning is intended to deter any individuals or groups from attempting to compromise the election process.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the police's warning against engaging or deploying non-state security outfits for election-related purposes, as this could lead to prosecution. They should also note that firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited around polling units and collation centres.

Source: Original reporting via Police bar Amotekun, vigilantes from Osun gov poll