Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on the Nigeria Police to remain professional, impartial, and fair in the discharge of their duties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made the call while declaring open a two-day workshop on election security, the law, stakeholders, and the media, organised by the state police command in conjunction with the state government and other stakeholders. The governor emphasized the significant role the police play in preserving the country's democracy and ensuring free, fair, credible, and violence-free elections.
The workshop, attended by representatives of other security agencies, including the Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, aimed to empower security agencies to contribute to strengthening the country's democracy. Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (retd.), urged police officers to remain above board and discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws. He stressed that the police are a crucial component of democracy and that their role in the electoral process is very key.
The governor lauded the state police command and other partners for organising the workshop, saying the two-day training would further empower security agencies across the state to contribute to strengthening the country's democracy. Abiodun encouraged the police to leverage the training to make the forthcoming election very peaceful, free, and fair, and then acceptable to all. He also urged them not to make themselves a catalyst for violence during the election.
In his welcome address, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, noted that election security is a shared responsibility, arguing that while security agencies have statutory responsibilities for maintaining public order, the success of those responsibilities depends on the conduct and cooperation of all stakeholders. He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, thuggery, destruction of property, and attacks on electoral personnel or facilities.
Ojajuni reiterated the force's commitment to providing a secure environment in which citizens can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, adding that the police will remain professional, impartial, and non-partisan. He appealed to journalists to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, verification, balance, and responsible reporting, particularly when reporting security incidents, allegations of electoral malpractice, and other sensitive electoral matters.
Prof Fassy Yusuf, Associate Professor of Media Law and Ethics at the University of Lagos, noted that the success of the 2027 general election in the state depends on how effectively the police lead, coordinate, and partner with state agencies, electoral authorities, and civil society organisations. Yusuf argued that while the Independent National Electoral Commission is committed to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, security agencies must secure the electoral process with the people and not against them.
The Ogun State Police Command, under Ojajuni's leadership, remains committed to maintaining peace and security across the state. The police will remain proactive in identifying threats, responsive to incidents, and firm against criminality, while respecting the fundamental rights of citizens. The command's efforts aim to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election in Ogun State.
Key points
- Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun urges Nigeria Police to remain professional and impartial ahead of 2027 general elections.
