The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a civil society organization, on Friday embarked on advocacy visits to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to strengthen collaboration ahead of a peaceful and crisis-free Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Penpushing reports that the team, led by the Chair of the Board, Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, was received at the Corps headquarters in Onibueja and the Osun State Police Command on Ring Road, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Osogbo where they held frank discussions with the management of the institutions.
The Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, explained at the corps headquarters that the visit was aimed at sustaining collaboration with the agency, noting that the Osun state governorship election had attracted global attention and that the team was concerned about security arrangements ahead of the poll.
Penpushing further reports that Idowu added that the visit was also to ascertain the level of preparation by the Corps, stressing that as a civil society organization and a major stakeholder in the electoral process, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and crisis-free election across the state.
“The visit is to work in conjunction with the NSCDC for successful monitoring of the election. The Osun election is unique and has generated attention. We are observing this election and security management is vital. We are also here to know the level of preparation by the NSCDC. We are civil society and we are concerned. We want to see how ready the agency is, as well as the level of deployment,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that the Deputy Commandant of Operations, Phillips Ayuba, appreciated the visit, stating that the Corps was comfortable partnering with the team, adding that civil society remains in the best position to help improve the country.
The Commandant acknowledged that there was political tension in the state but assured that the Corps would not fold its arms. stating that the visit would strengthen the existing relationship between both organizations.
Penpushing reports that he disclosed that the authorities had deployed 10,200 personnel to cover all the wards across the 30 local government areas of the state, and urged the Kimpact team to remain vigilant during the election.
The board chair Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi at the Osun State Police Command, said the visit was an advocacy engagement to ascertain the readiness of the police, in view of concerns raised in some quarters over the election.
Penpushing further reports that she disclosed that Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), as part of efforts to ensure adequate and proactive reportage of the election, had established a data analysis room with team members assigned to liaise with colleagues on the field for real-time assessment reports, and equally encouraged the police leadership to visit the situation room.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Ishyaku, who oversees the Department of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in his response said the police had mapped out strategies for the poll.
Penpushing also reports that these, he said, include the deployment of personnel to all polling units and the provision of quick response departments to ensure a peaceful election.
“We have strategies with the deployment of personnel to cover all polling units. There is quick response. We have established control mechanisms. We are here to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election. We have intelligence units in place,” he stated.
Penpushing reports that Ishyaku assured the general public of safety to go out and vote without fear, and urged civil society organizations to be cautious with information shared with the public to avoid inciting statements.
The team at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, who briefed them on the commission’s efforts to ensure a successful election.
Penpushing further reports that Akiyode-Afolabi said the visit was to ascertain the commission’s level of readiness, noting that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is central to the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner assured that the commission was fully ready to deliver a credible poll, explaining that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been working effectively in the past few months and that all election materials had been distributed as early as Friday adding that there was nothing to worry about.
Penpushing also reports that she dismissed concerns in some quarters that as a female she might not be firm enough to handle the election, saying she was not appointed based on gender.
“We are ready for the election. All arrangements are in top gear. Nothing to worry about. Materials have been customized. We also don’t have issues with the NURTW. I am not appointed on gender. I am a man in a woman’s body,” Babalola emphasized.
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