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The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Nigerian Police Force to uphold its constitutional responsibility of neutrality and resist any attempt to be dragged into partisan politics as preparations for the 2026 governorship election begin in the state.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday and signed by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Sunday Bisi, the PDP commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for their professionalism but warned against what it described as “worrisome signals” of bias in the handling of political disputes.
The party expressed concern over what it termed the frequent arrest and detention of PDP members on the strength of petitions from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). He said such petitions were being given undue urgency while similar complaints from PDP members often received little or no attention.
According to the statement, “We have observed with concern that in most cases, the Police appear to be shielding APC petitioners by standing in as complainants on their behalf. Rather than allowing the two parties to defend their positions, the Police step in as if the case was theirs, thereby creating an impression of bias.”
The PDP further revealed that in some instances, such arrests were allegedly coordinated from Force Headquarters, Abuja, with attempts to transfer PDP operatives to the Federal Capital Territory. It noted that in the last two weeks alone, at least four such incidents had been recorded.
While stressing that it still retains confidence in the neutrality of the Inspector-General of Police and the State Commissioner, the party called on the Police leadership to urgently curb the trend.
“APC petitioners should no longer be shielded. The Police should remain a neutral arbiter and must not assume the role of complainant in matters involving two political parties,” Hon. Bisi said.
He added: “Our appeal is borne out of the need to sustain the positive working relationship between the Police and the PDP-led government in Osun. It is too early to drag the state into avoidable controversy over rights issues and electoral matters. We believe the Police will address this trend in the interest of fairness, equity, and peace.”
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