The Nigeria Police in state says it will not allow politicians, their supporters or criminal elements to disrupt the 2027 general elections or threaten public order.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, gave the warning at a stakeholders’ workshop on elections, security, the law and the media in Abeokuta.
For the Ogun State Police Command, political contest must not become a justification for violence.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, warned political actors and their supporters against actions capable of undermining public order before, during and after the elections.
He said the Command will act against criminal elements who attempt to exploit the electoral process, reminding politicians that elections are a democratic contest and not a war.
But securing the electoral process will also require cooperation beyond the Police.
The workshop brought together security agencies, political stakeholders, media professionals and other actors to examine their responsibilities in delivering peaceful elections.
Professor of Communication, Fassy Yusuf, who presented the lead paper, described elections as a test of democratic maturity and the strength of public institutions.
For security agencies, the emphasis was on professionalism and neutrality.
Representing Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Special Adviser on Security, Olusola Subair, urged the Police and other security personnel to remain impartial in the discharge of their responsibilities throughout the electoral process.
The discussions also focused on adherence to the law, responsible political conduct, media responsibility and coordination among security agencies.
The message from the gathering is that preventing electoral violence will require political actors, security agencies, the media and citizens to understand their roles long before voters go to the polls.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
