Osun High Court Bars Amotekun from Governorship Election Security

• The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun, vigilante groups, and hunters from participating in security operations for Saturday's Osun State governorship election.
• Political parties, candidates, and their supporters have been warned against engaging or sponsoring non-state security groups for the purpose of the election.
• The involvement of non-state security groups like Amotekun may be prohibited, and their sponsors risk arrest.

The police have made it clear that these groups have no role to play in securing the election, and any attempt by them to do so will be met with firm action.

The Nigeria Police Force has taken a decisive step in securing the upcoming Osun State governorship election by barring non-state security groups, including Amotekun, vigilante groups, and hunters, from participating in security operations. This move is aimed at ensuring that only authorized personnel are involved in maintaining law and order during the election.

The police have made it clear that these groups have no role to play in securing the election, and any attempt by them to do so will be met with firm action. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters have been warned against engaging or sponsoring such groups for the purpose of the election.

The ban on non-state security groups is in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to regulate the conduct of elections. INEC has the authority to determine who can participate in election security operations and ensure that only authorized personnel are involved. The police have a critical role to play in enforcing this regulation and maintaining public safety during the election.

The involvement of non-state security groups like Amotekun may be prohibited, and their sponsors risk arrest. Lawyers advising clients on election security arrangements should note this development and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with election regulations.

The ban on non-state security groups is crucial in ensuring that the Osun State governorship election is free from external influences. The involvement of unauthorized personnel can compromise the integrity of the electoral process, undermine public confidence, and lead to violence. By maintaining control over election security operations, the police can ensure a peaceful and credible outcome.

The decision to bar non-state security groups also sends a strong signal that the government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that only authorized personnel are involved in election-related activities.

Lawyers advising clients on election security arrangements should note that the involvement of non-state security groups like Amotekun may be prohibited, and their sponsors risk arrest.

Source: Original reporting via TheNigeriaLawyer