…As REC insists on free, fair, credible elections

The Ogun State Police Command has concluded plan to ensure adequate security for officials of the Independent Electoral Crime Commission(INEC) in the state ahead the 2027 general elections.

Commissioner for Police, CP Bode Ojajuni gave the assurance, yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the INEC’s office in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Ojajuni, who engaged the INEC’s Independent Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi on security arrangements said the command’s personnel would be deployed to safeguard the commission, its facilities and electoral materials in the forthcoming elections.

He noted that the Command’s security preparations would focus on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, effective information sharing and coordinated deployment to protect electoral officials, voters, election materials and facilities.

The Commissioner described INEC as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process, emphasising the need for sustained cooperation between the police and the commission.

“From now until the end of the 2027 General Elections, the INEC office will become our second office.” he declared.

Ojajuni said that INEC’s participation in security workshop organised by the command in Abeokuta for security agencies and stakeholders as part of preparations for the 2027 elections, would provide opportunity to strengthen cooperation and improve coordination on election-related security matter.

He urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the law, shun violence and intimidation, and refrain from any conduct capable of undermining the electoral process.

The commissioner further encouraged residents to report credible security concerns promptly through the nearest police station or established Command communication channels, while avoiding the spread of unverified information.

He assured residents that it will continue to collaborate with INEC, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to promote public safety and support a peaceful electoral process.

Ojajuni, however, called on all citizens to play their part by rejecting electoral violence, respecting democratic institutions and cooperating with lawful security efforts.

In her response, Saseyi thanked Commissioner’s visit and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working with the police and other relevant stakeholders towards credible elections.

She said that the commission would be transparent in its electoral assignment, noting that it would ensure a free, fair, 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.”