The Lagos State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and supporters against electoral violence, voter intimidation and acts capable of threatening public peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was given at a stakeholder security conference convened by the Command to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, electoral officials, political parties and other stakeholders in preparation for the polls.
The conference was presided over by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, and attended by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami; Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliyu; representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Department of State Services; transport and youth associations; and chairmen, candidates and representatives of registered political parties.
Fatai said the Command would not tolerate electoral violence, thuggery, voter intimidation or any conduct capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He assured residents that adequate security would be provided to protect voters and enable them to exercise their franchise freely.
With more than seven million registered voters across Lagos’ 20 local government areas, 245 registration areas and about 13,000 polling units, the Commissioner stressed that Lagos, as a major economic and industrial hub, cannot afford a breakdown of law and order, hence the need for all stakeholders to work together.
He said the Command had strengthened intelligence gathering and operational plans to monitor flashpoints, protect candidates and electoral officials, secure movement of election materials and maintain order at polling units.
Parties and candidates were urged to notify the police in advance of campaigns and rallies to allow security planning and prevent clashes.
The Commissioner warned against use of thugs, destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, cyberbullying, spread of false information and use of social media to incite violence.
He urged the public to verify information before sharing and cautioned against using young people to perpetrate violence, urging community leaders, transport workers, market associations, youth groups and CSOs to promote peaceful participation.
Reaffirming political neutrality, the police boss said anyone who violates the law would face appropriate legal action regardless of affiliation or influence, while urging journalists to uphold professional standards and report responsibly to support a peaceful process.
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 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.
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.
