Ogun State Police Command Plans Security Workshop Ahead of 2027 Elections

In preparation for the 2027 general elections, the Ogun State Police Command has announced a stakeholders’ security workshop designed to foster robust participation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. This crucial gathering, slated for September 22-23, 2026, bears the theme ‘Elections, Community Mobilisation, The Law and The Media.’

A statement released by Dr. Bolu Folayan, the Executive Consultant for the workshop, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, detailed that the program would emphasize mutual respect, collaboration, and coordination among agencies, alongside effective community engagement strategies for the pre, during, and post-election phases. It will also stress professional conduct and accountability across all participating entities.

Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to inaugurate the workshop and deliver the keynote address, according to the statement. Following this, Professor Fassy Yusuf, a distinguished lawyer and public relations expert, will present the lead paper for the event. Dr. Folayan highlighted that the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Police Act each assign distinct duties to various stakeholders during elections. He underscored that an insufficient understanding of these interconnected roles frequently results in operational challenges that undermine the credibility of electoral outcomes.

Dr. Folayan further asserted that “With improved knowledge of stakeholders in the law, inter-agency cooperation, media and community relations, successful elections are much more achievable.” He elaborated, stating that “While the Constitution gives rights, the Electoral Act gives the rules, and of course, the Police Act gives the conduct, and most stakeholders lack knowledge in these areas regarding elections.”

He emphasized the foundational role of the Constitution, remarking, “The Constitution sets the red lines. Security must protect these rights. Media must exercise them responsibly. No security operation should infringe on these without due process. That’s the way to have credible elections, and that’s the goal of this training.” A significant outcome anticipated from this training, as stated by Folayan, is the formal adoption of the ‘Responsive and Responsible Professionalism Charter’ through its signing by all attending stakeholders.

Approximately 520 participants are expected to attend the workshop. This diverse group will comprise representatives from leading political parties, Divisional Police Officers, Zonal and Area Commanders, members of Police Community Relations Committees, officials from the State Independent Electoral Commission, and the Directorate of State Security Service, among other key figures.