The Ogun State Police Command has issued a warning to political actors and stakeholders to conduct themselves in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution during the 2027 general election. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, delivered this warning at a workshop in Abeokuta, themed 'Elections, Security, the Law, Stakeholders, and the Media'. The event drew participants from various stakeholders, including police officers, media professionals, and INEC officers.
The workshop aimed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge required to effectively perform their responsibilities before, during, and after elections. Commissioner Ojajuni emphasized that elections are a constitutional process, not a war, and that political actors must understand the legal boundaries governing election activities. He urged stakeholders to ensure that political differences do not destroy the peace upon which communities depend.
Ojajuni stressed that election security is a shared responsibility, appealing to all political actors to respect the law. He noted that while security agencies have statutory responsibilities for maintaining public order, their success depends significantly on the conduct and cooperation of all stakeholders. Political parties and their supporters must respect the law, and election officials must discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially.
The Commissioner also emphasized the role of the media in providing accurate, balanced, and responsible information during elections. Citizens must exercise their democratic rights peacefully and responsibly, he added. Every stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring that political competition does not translate into violence. The police boss maintained that the Command would not allow criminal elements to exploit the electoral process and foment trouble.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Olusola Subair, charged personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to uphold professionalism and neutrality during elections. Abiodun described security as a critical component of democracy, stressing that the conduct and reports of security personnel could significantly influence the electoral process.
The Governor noted that the workshop was an opportunity to equip security personnel with the knowledge required to effectively perform their responsibilities. He emphasized that the police are a vital component of democracy and that their role in maintaining public order is crucial. The Governor's representative urged participants to take the workshop seriously and to apply the knowledge gained in their future responsibilities.
The Ogun State Police Command's warning and the Governor's charge to security personnel underscore the importance of a peaceful and credible electoral process. The 2027 general election is expected to be a significant event in Nigeria's democratic journey, and stakeholders must work together to ensure its success. The workshop in Abeokuta is a step in the right direction, as it brought together various stakeholders to discuss their roles and responsibilities in the electoral process.
Key points
- The Ogun State Police Command has warned political actors to discharge their responsibilities in line with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution during the 2027 general election.
- Election security is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political parties, election officials, observers, and citizens.
- The Ogun State Governor has charged security personnel to uphold professionalism and neutrality during elections, emphasizing the critical role of security in democracy.
