<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Isiaka Mustapha
Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2026 Osun State Governorship Election has once again brought to the fore the enormous cost of securing elections in Nigeria. While security remains a critical component of any credible electoral process, the scale of personnel deployed for the election raises questions about sustainability, efficiency and the country’s overall approach to election security. The deployment of thousands of armed personnel across a single state reflects a troubling reality: elections in Nigeria continue to be treated as security operations rather than civic exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Nigeria Police Force reportedly deployed more than 20,000 officers and men to Osun State for the governorship poll. The deployment included conventional police personnel, mobile police units, counter-terrorism operatives, intelligence officers, bomb disposal experts and tactical response teams. The objective was to prevent electoral violence, curb vote-buying, protect election materials and ensure public order throughout the voting period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also mobilised approximately 2,500 personnel alongside dozens of patrol vehicles, ambulances and rescue units to support traffic management and emergency response operations. The agency’s involvement was aimed at enforcing movement restrictions and ensuring unhindered access for election officials and emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other agencies deployed for the exercise included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps. Though official figures from some of these agencies were not publicly disclosed, security experts estimate that the combined deployment may have exceeded 30,000 personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such a massive operation comes with substantial financial implications. Election security involves transportation, feeding, accommodation, fuel supply, communication equipment, operational allowances and logistics support. When the contributions of all participating agencies are aggregated, the total cost runs into billions of naira. This expenditure is borne by taxpayers at a time when the country faces competing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and violent crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opportunity cost of such deployments cannot be ignored. Thousands of officers drawn from various states and commands are temporarily removed from their primary assignments to focus on election duties. This inevitably creates gaps in routine policing and security coverage in other parts of the country. Communities already facing security threats may experience reduced operational presence during such periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond financial considerations, the sheer number of armed personnel deployed often creates the impression that elections are inherently violent events. The presence of heavily armed security agents at polling centres may discourage voter participation, particularly among elderly citizens, women and first-time voters. Elections should inspire confidence and civic engagement, not fear and apprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A critical examination of previous elections shows that heavy security deployments do not automatically eliminate electoral malpractice. Incidents of vote-buying, voter inducement, political intimidation and electoral disputes have occurred even in elections where security presence was extensive. This suggests that the quality of security operations is more important than the quantity of personnel deployed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Osun election underscores the need for intelligence-driven security strategies. Rather than deploying overwhelming numbers of personnel across every community, security agencies should focus on identifying high-risk areas and addressing threats through proactive intelligence gathering. Effective intelligence often prevents violence before it occurs, reducing the need for excessive force deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another lesson is the importance of political accountability. Security agencies alone cannot guarantee peaceful elections. Political parties, candidates and their supporters must adhere to electoral laws and democratic norms. Where political actors embrace issue-based campaigns and reject violence, the burden on security agencies is significantly reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The election also highlights the need to strengthen community-based security initiatives and local conflict-resolution mechanisms. Communities that actively participate in maintaining peace are less likely to experience election-related violence. Such approaches can complement formal security structures and reduce dependence on large-scale deployments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transparency in election security spending is equally important. Nigerians deserve access to information on how much is allocated for election security and how such funds are utilised. Greater transparency would promote accountability and enable policymakers to assess whether current spending patterns represent value for money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Nigeria continues to conduct governorship, legislative and local government elections across the federation, the sustainability of large-scale security deployments must be carefully evaluated. A system that requires tens of thousands of security personnel for every major election places immense pressure on national resources and security institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Osun governorship election offers a valuable opportunity for reflection. The ultimate goal should be the development of a democratic culture where elections are secured through public trust, institutional credibility, effective law enforcement and responsible political conduct. Until that objective is achieved, Nigeria will continue to bear the heavy financial and operational burden of over-policed elections, with significant consequences for both democracy and national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n