Ogun State police boss, CP Bode Ojajuni. Photo: Ogun State Police Command
As preparations hot up for the 2027 elections, the police in Ogun State have assured the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of adequate security before, during and after the exercise.
Specifically, the command assured the electoral body that they would provide adequate security for its personnel, facilities and electoral materials.
The state police boss, CP Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abeokuta during a strategic visit to the state office of INEC, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi
This was in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi and posted on the command’s X handle on Thursday.
During the visit, Ojajuni toured the INEC premises and discussed security arrangements with the commission as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
Describing INEC as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process, the police commissioner emphasised the need for sustained cooperation between the police and the electoral body.
“From now until the end of the 2027 General Elections, the INEC office will become our second office,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that the command’s security preparations would focus on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, effective information sharing and coordinated deployment of personnel to protect electoral officials, voters, election materials and facilities.
Ojajuni also stressed that all security operations would be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
The commissioner recalled that the command had earlier organised a security workshop in Abeokuta involving security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the 2027 elections.
He noted that INEC participated in the engagement, which provided an opportunity for stakeholders to improve cooperation and coordination on election-related security matters.
In her response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Saseyi, appreciated the police commissioner’s visit and reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to work with the police and other relevant stakeholders to ensure credible elections.
“On our part, we will also be open, transparent and committed to this assignment so that, at the end of it all, we will achieve free, fair, transparent and credible elections,” she said.
Ojajuni urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the law, shun violence and intimidation, and refrain from actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
He also encouraged residents to report credible security concerns promptly through the nearest police station or established command communication channels, while warning against the spread of unverified information.
The command reiterated its commitment to working with INEC, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to promote public safety and support a peaceful electoral process.
It also called on citizens to reject electoral violence, respect democratic institutions and cooperate with lawful security efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
