Lagos police, INEC urge peaceful 2027 elections

The Police Command in Lagos State and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have urged political parties and other stakeholders to promote peace and shun violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They gave the charge at the 2027 General Election Stakeholders’ Security Engagement at POWA Hall, Ikeja, on Thursday.

The Commissioner of Police in the state Lagos, Mr Fatai Tijani, warned that the command would not tolerate electoral violence, political thuggery, voter intimidation or any act capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.

He said the command was prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.

According to Tijani,  the police have mapped out areas vulnerable to political violence and will strengthen intelligence and operational strategies to prevent threats and response to security breaches.

The commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the command in advance of planned rallies and campaigns to facilitate security arrangements and prevent clashes.

He specifically warned against the destruction of political campaign posters and billboards, sayings that “anyone found wanting will face the law.

“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he added.

He also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating videos and inflammatory contents capable of inciting violence.

The commissioner urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs, warning that those who mobilised or encouraged others to commit violence could also be held accountable.

He called on stakeholders to report threats of political violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns promptly to the police.

Tijani also urged political parties to control their supporters, security teams to help strengthen cooperation.

“The. media should also report responsibly and the public should provide credible security information to the police.”

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, stressing that the police would not favour any political party or candidate.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, also urged political parties and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Salami said the state had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that INEC would conduct an election that stakeholders and residents would be proud of.

He urged the public to verify information before acting on or circulating reports capable of causing concerns.

The REC cited a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some areas, saying he contacted INEC officials on ground and was informed that the reports were inaccurate.

He urged political parties and other stakeholders to verify information with relevant authorities before disseminating it.

According to him, INEC is fully prepared for the forthcoming elections and is committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process that will earn the confidence of all stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Others are INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and Transport workers.