The Imọlẹ Campaign Council (TICC) of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged residents across the state not to panic over the increasing presence of military personnel, police officers and other security operatives ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The council said the deployment of security personnel, including convoys seen moving through major streets across the state, was primarily aimed at protecting lives and property, safeguarding residents and ensuring that the election is conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq., the campaign council said it was aware of the apprehension and concerns generated by the visible presence of security personnel as the election approaches.
“Given the heightened atmosphere as we gradually draw closer to the poll, we understand that this visible presence of military and other security personnel on our streets may raise questions and, for some, even concerns,” the council said.
The TICC, however, appealed to residents to remain calm, explaining that the deployment was a proactive security measure designed to protect the electoral process and create an atmosphere in which eligible voters could exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
According to the council, the presence of security personnel was “not to instill fear but to inspire confidence” and “not intended to suppress voters but to protect them.”
The campaign council consequently urged Osun residents to go about their normal activities and come out in large numbers on election day to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.
“We therefore urge Osun people to go about their normal activities without fear as the security personnel have a responsibility to guarantee their safety and ensure an atmosphere of peace and order before and during the election,” it stated.
The council said it had consistently maintained that the governorship election must be peaceful, stressing that the deployment of security personnel could contribute to achieving that objective by creating an environment where voters would be able to freely make their choices.
The TICC also appealed to residents to conduct themselves lawfully and cooperate with security personnel, particularly at checkpoints, urging members of the public to treat officers with courtesy and respect.
It further called on residents to provide security agencies with actionable intelligence on criminal hideouts and other suspicious activities within their communities, particularly where such activities could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
The campaign council also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
It warned that anyone who participates in activities capable of undermining peace and public order could face a forceful response from security personnel deployed to maintain security during the election period.
While urging residents to cooperate with security agencies, the Imọlẹ Campaign Council equally called on the deployed security personnel to conduct themselves professionally, responsibly and impartially throughout the electoral process.
The council stressed that security agencies must remain focused on their primary responsibility of protecting citizens, maintaining public order and ensuring that eligible voters are able to participate in the election without intimidation.
It added that the campaign council would support every lawful measure capable of guaranteeing a free, credible and peaceful governorship election in Osun State.
“We maintain our support and cooperation of every lawful means that will guarantee that Osun governorship election is free, credible, peaceful and reflect the will of the people,” the council added.