The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain neutrality as the 2026 governorship election approaches. In a statement released on Monday in Osogbo, the party’s State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, commended the Inspector-General of Police and the State Commissioner of Police for their professionalism. However, he expressed concern over the recent trend of arrests and detentions of PDP members, which he believes may indicate collusion between the All Progressives Congress and certain police officers.
According to the party, petitions filed by APC members are being treated with urgency, while similar complaints from the PDP are receiving little attention. The PDP also alleged that the police are acting as complainants on behalf of APC petitioners, rather than serving as impartial investigators in disputes between the two parties. In some cases, the police have initiated court action against detained PDP members without calling both parties together to resolve the issue.
The party expressed concern that these operations are often initiated from the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, with attempts to transfer arrested PDP members to the Federal Capital Territory. The PDP cited over four such incidents in the past two weeks, urging the police authorities to address the matter before it escalates further. The party reiterated its confidence in the neutrality and professionalism of the Inspector-General of Police and the State Commissioner of Police, attributing the trend to possible actions of junior officers.
The PDP emphasized the need for the police to act as an impartial arbiter, rather than shielding APC petitioners. The party argued that neutral investigations should be conducted, rather than protecting APC petitioners and assuming their position. The appeal aims to preserve the positive working relationship between the police and political stakeholders in the state. With the 2026 governorship election approaching, the PDP believes it is essential for the police to correct the negative trend and ensure fairness, equity, and peace in the electoral process.