Lagos Police, INEC Urge Political Parties to Shun Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Atlantic Reports
The Lagos State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to maintain peace and shun violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made the call at the 2027 General Election Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held at POWA Hall, Ikeja, on Thursday.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, warned that the command would not tolerate electoral violence, political thuggery, voter intimidation or any activity capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the elections.
He said the police were prepared to provide security for political campaigns, rallies, candidates, electoral officials and the movement of election materials.
According to Tijani, the command has identified areas vulnerable to political violence and will strengthen intelligence gathering and operational strategies to prevent threats and respond to security breaches.
He urged political parties and candidates to notify the police in advance of planned campaigns and rallies to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent clashes.
Police Warn Against Thuggery and Voter Intimidation
Tijani specifically warned political actors against destroying campaign posters and billboards, stressing that offenders would face the law.
“Anyone involved in electoral violence will be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he said.
The commissioner also cautioned political actors, bloggers and social media users against spreading misinformation, manipulating videos and sharing inflammatory content capable of inciting violence.
He urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs, warning that individuals who mobilised or encouraged others to engage in violence could also be held accountable.
Tijani called on stakeholders to report threats of political violence, voter intimidation and other security concerns promptly to the police.
He further urged political parties to control their supporters and encouraged security agencies to strengthen cooperation to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The commissioner also appealed to the media to report responsibly and urged members of the public to provide credible security information to the police.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, insisting that the police would not favour any political party or candidate.
INEC Urges Public to Verify Election-Related Information
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, also called on political parties and other stakeholders to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Salami said Lagos had remained largely peaceful since the commencement of the electoral cycle, expressing confidence that the commission would conduct an election that residents and stakeholders would be proud of.
He urged members of the public to verify information before acting on or circulating reports that could generate unnecessary concern or tension.
The REC referred to a media report concerning the display of voter-related materials in some areas, saying he contacted INEC officials on the ground and was informed that the reports were inaccurate.
He advised political parties and other stakeholders to confirm election-related information with the relevant authorities before disseminating it.
According to Salami, INEC is preparing for the forthcoming elections and remains committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process that will earn the confidence of stakeholders.
Security Agencies, Political Parties Attend Engagement
Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the engagement.
Other participants included INEC officials, political party representatives, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and transport workers.
The engagement comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, with security agencies and electoral authorities emphasising the need for peaceful political activities, responsible public communication and cooperation among stakeholders.
While the police have pledged to respond to threats and prosecute offenders, the effectiveness of these commitments will depend on impartial enforcement, timely responses to credible intelligence and the willingness of political parties to restrain their supporters.
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