Imole Campaign Council, the campaign group for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, on Monday, faulted the redeployment of police commissioner  Ibrahim Gotan to the state amid widespread violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The council, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described Mr Gotan’s controversial reinstatement as very concerning, citing “gross harassment, abuse of human rights and arbitrary arrest and detention of Accord Party chieftains and members under his supervision”. 

The council said Mr Gotan’s redeployment after he allegedly detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and others at his residence reflected intent to hound the Accord Party in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

“Suffice to say that the SSG was released immediately and the items taken from his house returned to him. This shows how politically consumed and unprofessional CP Gotan is to hound Accord Party chieftains to favour the All Progressives Congress in the August 15 governorship election,” it stated.

The council lamented that Mr Gotan was reinstated to oversee the forthcoming poll after CP Samuel Etaifo had been transferred to the state, alleging that the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, was pressured by the ruling APC.

Noting that security agencies must remain neutral and professional to achieve credibility and fairness in any election, the council said the IG “must not allow CP Gotan and his APC friends to plunge Nigeria’s democracy into the abyss through intimidation, arbitrary arrest, witch hunt and harassment of opponents.” 

It urged Mr Disu to address the people of the state, adding that he must ensure the election is free, fair and credible.

“The IGP must address the people of Osun State and assure them of a violence-free poll on August 15, 2026. He must back his words with action and ensure the neutrality and impartiality of his men all through the election. 

“The use of arrest and detention as tools of oppression of the opposition must end. Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. Democracy is about plurality of parties and not oppression and intimidation of opponents,” the council added.

The development came amid reports of violence in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Meanwhile, Mr Disu had assured residents of adequate security, saying the election would be one of the best in the country’s history.