Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the removal of the Commissioner of Police deployed to oversee the 2026 governorship election in the state, Samuel Erale Etaifo, alleging irregularities and attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Adeleke made the demand on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 9, Sagba Abogunde Polling Unit in Ede, where he arrived at about 8:30 a.m. and became the first voter to cast a ballot.
The governor also alleged that some of his supporters were being intimidated in Modakeke. He called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to monitor the activities of a police officer identified as “London,” whom he alleged was brought from Port Harcourt to interfere with the election.
“There is one Police officer called London from Port Harcourt, they brought him to come and disorganise the vote,” Adeleke said, urging security authorities to remain vigilant.
He further alleged that the officer was brought into Osun by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt voting, particularly in Ede, and warned that the electoral process must proceed according to established rules from polling units through wards and local governments to the collation centre.
Despite his concerns, Adeleke commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the early commencement of accreditation and urged the commission to ensure that the election remains free, fair and credible.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has clarified that Ibrahim Gotan remains the substantive Commissioner of Police in Osun State.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, Samuel Erale Etaifo was specifically deployed to Osun as Commissioner of Police to oversee the August 15 governorship election.
The statement explained that Gotan remains in charge of the Osun State Command and will continue to supervise routine policing activities while providing administrative and operational support for the election-related assignment.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that Gotan had been redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on special duty.
