2027: Don’t become catalyst for violence – Gov Abiodun warns police

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has cautioned security forces against becoming instigators of unrest during the 2027 general elections, emphasizing their indispensable role in preserving democracy. This warning came at a two-day workshop on election security, law, stakeholders, and the media organized by the Ogun State Police Command in partnership with Development Communication Research Centre Ltd/Gte.

The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair, stated that the workshop aimed to equip officers with the necessary knowledge to handle pre-, during-, and post-election scenarios, highlighting the critical importance of police reports in shaping election outcomes.

Abiodun underscored the paramount significance of the police as a quintessential pillar of democracy, underscoring that without robust security, the very fabric of democratic governance could unravel. "Without security, there can be no democracy," he reiterated, stressing the high-stakes responsibility and multifaceted roles the police must undertake in the electoral process.

He cautioned officers not to engage in any actions that might precipitate violence, urging them to harness the acquired knowledge to guarantee a peaceful electoral process in Ogun State. "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 emphasized.

Governor Abiodun also praised the collaborative efforts among security agencies within the state, which he credited for the prevailing peace. He urged these agencies to maintain a visible presence and fulfill their duties diligently during the elections. In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, highlighted election security as a collective responsibility, noting that while security agencies are mandated to uphold public order, their success hinges on the cooperation and conduct of all stakeholders.

Ojajuni appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to eschew violence, intimidation, thuggery, property destruction, and attacks on electoral personnel or facilities. He also called for adherence to the law, professional and impartial discharge of official duties by election officials, operational boundaries for observers and monitors, and the provision of accurate, balanced, and responsible information by journalists.

Ojajuni further pledged the police's commitment to ensuring a secure environment conducive to exercising citizens' constitutional right to vote, vowing to remain proactive, responsive, and vigilant against criminal activities while respecting fundamental rights and maintaining neutrality throughout the electoral process.