Ogun police promise proactive security for 2027 elections
The Ogun State Police Command has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of proactive security preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to protect electoral officials, facilities and materials throughout the electoral process.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance during a visit to the Ogun State INEC office on Wednesday, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Feyijimi Saseyi, to discuss security arrangements for the forthcoming elections.
During the visit, Ojajuni toured the commission’s premises and emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the police and INEC to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He described the commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic system, declaring that the INEC office would become the police command’s “second office” until the end of the 2027 general elections.
The police commissioner said the command’s preparations would focus on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, information sharing and coordinated security deployment. He added that operations would be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law to safeguard electoral officials, voters, election materials and facilities.
Ojajuni also recalled a security workshop organised by the command in Abeokuta for security agencies and relevant stakeholders as part of preparations for the elections. He noted that INEC participated in the engagement, which was aimed at strengthening cooperation and improving coordination among stakeholders on election-related security matters.
In her response, Saseyi appreciated the commissioner’s visit and reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to work with the police and other relevant stakeholders to ensure credible elections. She said the commission would remain open and transparent in discharging its responsibilities, adding that all parties must work towards achieving free, fair and credible polls.
The commissioner urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to obey the law, shun violence and intimidation, and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process. He also encouraged residents to report credible security threats to the nearest police station or through the command’s established communication channels, while cautioning against spreading unverified information.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to collaborating with INEC, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to maintain public safety before, during and after the elections. It also called on residents to reject electoral violence, respect democratic institutions and cooperate with lawful security efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
