…as CP warns parties, candidates to reject electoral violence

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has urged police personnel in the state to shun actions capable of fueling violence during the 2027 general elections, saying that they have vital role to play in safeguarding democratic process.

He disclosed this yesterday at a two-day workshop on election security, the law, stakeholders and the media organised by the Ogun State Police Command in collaboration with Development Communication Research Centre Ltd/Gte.

Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rted), said the workshop became imperative to educate the personnel on what to do before, during and after the election, noting that the police report sometimes influence the final outcome of the elections.

“We all need to know that police is a very important component of democracy, and without security, there can be no democracy. That is why the responsibility and the roles to be played by the police is very key in electoral process.”

“We want you to be professional in the conduct of this election, in how you are going to manage and secure this particular election. I want to equally enjoin you that you do not make yourself a catalyst for violence during this election, when you do your work professionally, then people will commend you,” Abiodun said.

He lauded the strong cooperation among the security agencies in the state, stressing that their joint efforts have helped to sustain the continued peace witness in the state, while urging them to do everything possible to ensure peaceful electoral process in the gateway state.

Speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, thuggery, destruction of properties and attack on electoral officials and their facilities.

Ojajuni divulged that security during election process 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.

“Political parties and their supporters must respect the law, election officials must discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially. Observers and monitors must operate within the limits of their mandates and the media must provide accurate, balanced and responsible information,” he said.

The commissioner of police also appealed to journalists to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, verification, balance and responsible reporting, particularly when dealing with security incidents, allegations of electoral malpractice and other sensitive electoral matters.

He reiterated the Force’s commitment to providing a secure environment in which citizens can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, adding that they will remain professional, impartial and non-partisan.

“We shall remain proactive in identifying threats, responsive to incidents and firm against criminality, while respecting the fundamental rights of citizens. We shall not allow criminal elements to exploit the electoral process to cause violence or undermine public safety,” Ojajuni added.

Delivering his paper, a professional and integrated communication expert, Prof Fassy Yusuf, noted that the success of the 2027 general election in Ogun State depends on how effectively the police leads, coordinates, and partners with state agencies, electoral authorities and civil societies.

Yusuf argued that while INEC is committed to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections, security agencies must secure electoral process with the people and not against them.

Earlier in his address, Bolu Folayan said the workshop was organised to ensure peaceful and credible 2027 general elections in Ogun State, noting that elections do not fail due to lack of laws but failure to understand roles under the law.