Ogun State Police Command has begun early preparations for the 2027 General Elections with a two-day stakeholders’ workshop focused on strengthening coordination, professionalism and security throughout the electoral process.
The workshop, titled “Elections, Security, the Law, Stakeholders & the Media,” opened at Event Towers, Ibara, Abeokuta, on Tuesday and was organised in collaboration with the Development Communication Research Centre Ltd (DCRC).
Speaking at the opening, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said election security should not be treated as an election-day assignment, stressing the need for early preparation, effective intelligence sharing, political neutrality, respect for fundamental rights and coordinated engagement among stakeholders.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to deploy its personnel and resources professionally to maintain a safe and peaceful environment throughout the electoral cycle.
The workshop was formally opened by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Rtd. AIG Sola Subair.
The governor emphasised the collective responsibility of security agencies, electoral institutions, political parties, the media and other stakeholders in preserving electoral peace and protecting the integrity of the democratic process.
The Police Command’s operational structure is also represented by Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, all 16 Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Squadron Commanders and Tactical Commanders.
Executive Consultant to the workshop, Professor Bolu Folayan, said stakeholders needed a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act and Police Act to improve coordination and reduce avoidable friction during the electoral process.
Technical sessions include a keynote presentation by Professor Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf on the intersection of elections, security, the law, professional conduct and responsible communication.
Participants include officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Inter-Party Advisory Council, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, Vigilante groups, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Police Community Relations Committee, political parties, media organisations and civil society groups
The workshop continues on Wednesday, September 30, with sessions on election security, stakeholder responsibilities, community engagement, media relations and contemporary social media management.