By Adeleye Kunle
Twenty-one thousand police officers have been deployed for the 2022 Osun governorship election, which is scheduled for Saturday.
The disclosure was made by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on Tuesday during an Independent National Electoral Commission stakeholders’ meeting (INEC).
“As part of the election security plan, we will deploy a total of 21,000 police personnel for the exercise of the Osun election,” he said.
“All three senatorial districts, 332 wards, and polling units have been properly mapped out and put in place to allow for the deployment of adequate personnel who will be on the ground to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the election.”
He insisted that police would be deployed to protect INEC’s facilities and personnel.
Baba stated that the deployment is not intended to intimidate anyone, but rather to ensure a peaceful election process and to curb violent tendencies.
“This deployment is not intended to intimidate law-abiding citizens; rather, it is intended to deter misguided elements who may endanger the election and violate the electoral act.” It also serves as a clear warning that the government is committed to protecting its citizens.”
