The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) for the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure the protection of residents and guarantee the neutrality of security agencies ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Deputy Director-General of the campaign council, Kolapo Alimi, made the appeal while addressing a news conference on Sunday in Osogbo.

Alimi said upholding the rule of law, maintaining professional neutrality and protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, were essential to preserving public confidence in the police and safeguarding democracy.

He urged the police high command to review the deployment of security personnel to the state to ensure that only professional and impartial officers were assigned election duties.

According to him, such a move would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

Alimi, who is also the Osun State Commissioner for Information, alleged that members of the Accord Party in the state were being targeted for arrest ahead of the governorship election.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the alleged arbitrary arrest and harassment of party leaders the company

“We urge our members, Accord Party stakeholders and all peace-loving citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, but resilient and vigilant.

“Do not allow yourselves to be provoked into violence, but stand firm in defence of your constitutional right to vote for leaders of your choice.

“We call on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately issue a firm directive to the Osun State Police Command, SCID and special squads from Abuja to cease the arbitrary arrest and harassment of our leaders, including those listed for transfer to Abuja,” he said.