Osun Parties Demand Police Overhaul Amid PVC Theft and Violence

Political tensions escalated in Osun State on July 27, 2026, as the Accord Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP) accused the state police of systemic harassment and failure to maintain order ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The Accord Party alleged a pattern of politically motivated arrests, specifically citing the detention of candidate Popoola Alaba and student Sodig Akinola Olaniyan. Lawmaker Bamidele Salam called on President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General Tunji Disu to investigate alleged collusion between Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan and Senator Francis Fadahunsi.

The SDP joined these calls by demanding the immediate redeployment of Commissioner Gotan, stating that rising violence and killings have destroyed public confidence in his ability to ensure a credible election. The Osun State Police Command denied these allegations, asserting that arrests were based on official petitions from the Inspector-General.

Concurrent with these political disputes, armed thugs attacked Independent National Electoral Commission officials at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Odo-Otin. Approximately 10 suspects fired shots into the air and stole three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during distribution. Police also reported restoring peace in Ile-Ife after disruptions near the Mayfair Garage area. Commissioner Gotan condemned the attack and deployed tactical and intelligence assets to recover the stolen materials.