The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has issued a stringent warning to political parties, candidates, and their supporters, cautioning them against indulging in violence, thuggery, and the mobilization of cult groups or criminal elements for political ends as the 2027 general elections approach. The Commissioner delivered this crucial message during a two-day workshop on “Elections Security, the Law, Stakeholders & the Media” held in Abeokuta.
Organized in collaboration with the Development Communication Research Centre, the workshop brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), various security agencies, political parties, election observers, civil society organizations, and the media. The central theme of the event underscored the collective responsibility required to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
A Call for Lawful Political Engagement
Commissioner Ojajuni emphasized that while political competition is fundamental to democracy, it must strictly operate within the confines of the law. He directly appealed to all political actors to reject any form of violence, intimidation, thuggery, destruction of property, or attacks on electoral personnel and facilities.
“No political ambition is worth the life of another Nigerian,” Ojajuni declared, stressing the sanctity of human life above political aspirations. He further warned against the recruitment of cultists and criminals, advising that all election-related disputes must be channeled through lawful avenues. The spread of inflammatory and unverified information, capable of inciting violence, was also identified as a critical threat requiring collective vigilance.
Police Vow Professionalism and Impartiality
Assuring the residents of Ogun State, the Police Commissioner affirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and non-partisanship throughout the electoral process. He clarified the police’s role: “Our responsibility is not to determine who wins an election. Our responsibility is to protect the process, protect the people and enforce the law.”
To bolster election security, Ojajuni outlined a robust collaborative strategy involving INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Armed Forces, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies. This joint effort aims to proactively identify threats, prevent violence, and respond effectively to security incidents. The police operations, he added, will be strictly guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
Media’s Indispensable Role in Electoral Integrity
Beyond political actors, the Commissioner also addressed journalists and media organizations, urging them to exercise extreme caution and responsibility when reporting on security incidents, alleged electoral malpractices, and other sensitive matters, particularly in the age of social media.
“Speed must not replace verification,” he cautioned, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of false reports published hastily. Ojajuni stressed that accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting is vital for reducing tension and building public confidence in the electoral process, while unverified information can escalate already sensitive situations.
Fostering Inter-Agency Cooperation for Safer Elections
The workshop, according to Ojajuni, was designed to enhance coordination and information sharing among all security and election management agencies. It served as a platform for stakeholders to understand their respective mandates and identify areas for stronger cooperation ahead of the elections. This includes ensuring police understand operational expectations, political actors adhere to legal boundaries, election officials grasp security implications of threats, monitors understand their mandate limits, and the media appreciates the security consequences of information dissemination.
The Ogun State Police Command pledged to remain proactive in identifying threats, responsive to incidents, and firm against criminality, all while upholding citizens’ fundamental rights. The Commissioner concluded by reiterating that elections are a constitutional process for choosing representatives, not a war, emphasizing that political opponents remain fellow citizens and neighbors at the end of every election. He expressed gratitude to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and all partners for their support, expressing confidence that the workshop would contribute significantly to safer and more peaceful elections in Ogun State.