2027 election: Ogun CP warns against violence, steps up security at INEC office

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ojajuni stated this on Wednesday during a strategic visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Abeokuta, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi.

According to the command, the visit was aimed at assessing security arrangements for INEC personnel, facilities and electoral materials ahead of the polls.

Speaking during the visit, the CP said INEC remained a critical institution in Nigeria’s democracy and must be protected.

“From now until the end of the 2027 general elections, the INEC office will become our second office,” Ojajuni declared.

He said the command would deploy intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment and coordinated security operations to protect electoral officials, voters and materials.

He assured that all security operations would be conducted professionally, impartially and within the law.

Ojajuni also recalled that the command had earlier organised a security workshop in Abeokuta for security agencies and other stakeholders, with INEC participating, to strengthen coordination ahead of the elections.

The CP warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence and intimidation. He also urged residents to report credible security threats to the nearest police station rather than spread fake news.

In her response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Saseyi, commended the police for the visit and assured them of INEC’s readiness to work with security agencies.

“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.