Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on police personnel in the state to be professional and avoid actions that could trigger violence during the 2027 general elections. He made this appeal at a two-day workshop on election security, law, stakeholders, and the media organised by the Ogun State Police Command in collaboration with the Development Communication Research Centre Ltd/Gte. Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair, stressed the importance of the police in safeguarding the democratic process.
The workshop aimed to educate police personnel on their roles before, during, and after the election, noting that police reports can influence the final outcome of the elections. Abiodun lauded the cooperation among security agencies in the state, which has helped sustain peace in Ogun State. He urged them to ensure a peaceful electoral process in the state. The governor emphasised that the police have a vital role to play in the electoral process and must be professional in their conduct.
State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, also addressed the workshop, calling on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, thuggery, destruction of properties, and attacks on electoral officials and their facilities. Ojajuni stated that security during the election process is a shared responsibility, requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders. He urged political parties and their supporters to respect the law and for election officials to discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially.
The Commissioner of Police appealed to journalists to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, verification, balance, and responsible reporting, particularly when dealing with security incidents, allegations of electoral malpractice, and other sensitive electoral matters. He reiterated the police's commitment to providing a secure environment for citizens to freely exercise their constitutional right to vote. The police will remain professional, impartial, and non-partisan, Ojajuni added.
Prof Fassy Yusuf, a communication expert, noted that the success of the 2027 general election in Ogun State depends on how effectively the police lead, coordinate, and partner with state agencies, electoral authorities, and civil societies. Yusuf argued that security agencies must secure the electoral process with the people, not against them. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the police and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
Bolu Folayan, who earlier addressed the workshop, said the event was organised to ensure peaceful and credible 2027 general elections in Ogun State. He noted that elections do not fail due to a lack of laws but due to a failure to understand roles under the law. The workshop aimed to educate stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities in the electoral process.
The Ogun State Police Command and other stakeholders are working together to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process in the state. The police have reiterated their commitment to providing a secure environment for citizens to exercise their right to vote. The 2027 general elections in Ogun State are expected to be peaceful and credible, with all stakeholders working together to achieve this goal.
Key points
- Governor Dapo Abiodun urges police to be professional and avoid actions that could trigger violence during the 2027 general elections.
- Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, calls on political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and intimidation during the elections.
- The success of the 2027 general election in Ogun State depends on effective collaboration between the police and other stakeholders.
