2027: Ojajuni’s Proactive Policing Offers Hope For Peaceful Elections In Ogun -By Adewole Kehinde

One of the major challenges that has confronted Nigeria since independence is political instability, fuelled in part by frequent changes of government and the difficulty of building a strong democratic culture anchored on credible elections, respect for the rule of law and peaceful transitions of power.

Over the years, the struggle for elective offices has often been characterised by intense competition for political power, influence and privilege. In some instances, this desperation has turned elections into a do-or-die affair, with politicians and their supporters resorting to intimidation, violence and other dishonest practices to gain electoral advantage.

Such tendencies undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, threaten national security and weaken the foundations of good governance. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, there is an urgent need for political actors, electoral authorities, security agencies and citizens to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.

It is against this background that the assurance by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, to ensure a peaceful and secure 2027 general election deserves commendation. His proactive engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State demonstrates the importance of early security planning and institutional cooperation in safeguarding the democratic process.

Ojajuni’s strategic visit to the Ogun State office of INEC on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi, Esq., was a welcome development that underscores the importance of preventive policing ahead of a major national exercise.

During the visit, the commissioner toured the INEC premises and held discussions with the commission on security arrangements for its personnel, facilities and electoral materials ahead of the polls. Such engagement is necessary to identify potential security gaps, address vulnerabilities and develop practical measures to prevent disruptions before, during and after the elections.

There is no doubt about the importance of the confidence, professionalism and integrity expected of CP Ojajuni in discharging this sensitive responsibility. His engagement with INEC reflects the need for security leadership that recognises the connection between effective policing and the protection of democratic institutions.

INEC remains a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process. It is responsible for organising and conducting elections, and its ability to perform these duties effectively depends, among other factors, on a secure environment in which electoral officials can work without threats, intimidation or interference.

Consequently, sustained cooperation between the police and INEC is indispensable. The responsibility of the police is not to influence electoral outcomes or favour any political party, but to provide a safe and impartial environment in which voters can exercise their constitutional rights and the electoral commission can perform its statutory duties without hindrance.

To achieve this objective, preparations for the 2027 elections in Ogun State should be anchored on intelligence-led policing, early threat assessment, effective information sharing and coordinated deployment of security personnel.

These measures will help the Command identify potential flashpoints, monitor emerging threats and respond promptly to security challenges. Particular attention should be given to protecting electoral officials, voters, election materials, collation centres and INEC facilities before, during and after the elections.

Security operations must also be conducted professionally, impartially and strictly in accordance with the law. The police must maintain public order while respecting citizens’ fundamental rights, ensuring that security arrangements do not become instruments of political intimidation or partisan interference.

Another important aspect of Ojajuni’s preparations is the security workshop earlier organised by the Ogun State Police Command in Abeokuta for security agencies and other stakeholders as part of efforts to prepare for the 2027 elections. INEC’s participation in the programme was significant, as it provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, improve coordination and promote a common understanding of the security challenges associated with election management.

Election security requires more than the deployment of armed personnel on election day. It demands adequate planning, clear communication channels, joint operational strategies and a shared commitment among all stakeholders to prevent violence and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

The workshop was therefore a useful step towards building the cooperation required to address potential threats. However, its impact will depend on the implementation of agreed strategies, regular consultations and the willingness of participating agencies to work together before, during and after the elections.

Equally commendable is CP Ojajuni’s call on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the law, shun violence and intimidation, and refrain from activities capable of undermining the electoral process.

This message must resonate across the political landscape in Ogun State. Politicians should understand that elections are not battles to be won through force, threats or manipulation, but a democratic process through which citizens freely express their preferences.

Political parties must educate their supporters on peaceful conduct, discourage the use of thugs and reject inflammatory statements capable of provoking violence. Candidates should also demonstrate political maturity by accepting lawful outcomes and pursuing genuine grievances through established legal channels rather than resorting to self-help.

The security agencies, for their part, must remain neutral and resist every attempt to draw them into partisan disputes. Every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, deserves equal protection under the law.

The people of Ogun State also have an important role to play in ensuring peaceful elections. Residents are encouraged to support the police by reporting credible security concerns to the nearest police station or through established channels of the Ogun State Police Command.

Citizens should provide timely and useful information about threats, suspicious activities or planned violence that could endanger lives and property. At the same time, they must avoid spreading unverified information, sensational claims or misleading reports that could create unnecessary panic, inflame tensions or trigger avoidable confrontations.

In an age when information spreads rapidly through social media, responsible communication is essential. Political disagreements should not become excuses for spreading falsehoods, inciting violence or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

The Ogun State Police Command must sustain its collaboration with INEC, other security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations and political stakeholders to promote public safety and support a peaceful electoral process.

Such cooperation should continue beyond preliminary meetings and workshops. Regular security assessments, timely intelligence exchanges, coordinated response mechanisms and effective public communication will be necessary as the election approaches.

The Command should also ensure that security personnel deployed for election duties are adequately briefed on their responsibilities, rules of engagement and the need to maintain impartiality. Their conduct on election day will significantly influence public confidence in the security arrangements.

Ultimately, peaceful elections cannot be achieved by the police alone. INEC must discharge its responsibilities professionally, political parties must play by the rules, candidates must respect democratic principles, and citizens must reject violence while cooperating with lawful security efforts.

Nigeria’s democratic journey will be strengthened when electoral competition is determined by ideas, policies, credibility and the freely expressed will of the electorate rather than intimidation and violence.

CP Bode Ojajuni’s engagement with INEC and the broader preparations by the Ogun State Police Command represent important steps towards this objective. The challenge now is to translate these engagements into practical, measurable and sustained security arrangements that protect every stakeholder without discrimination.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Ogun State has an opportunity to demonstrate that political competition and public safety can coexist within a peaceful democratic environment.

The message must be clear: no political ambition is worth the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of property or the destabilisation of communities.

Ojajuni and his officers must remain committed to professionalism, impartiality and the rule of law, while the people of Ogun State must reject electoral violence and support every lawful effort to protect the democratic process.

A peaceful election is a shared responsibility. Through sustained cooperation, responsible political conduct and effective security planning, Ogun State can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for credible elections and a stronger democratic culture.

Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters based in Abuja. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com