Ogun police chief warns against using cultists in 2027 elections

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, thuggery and the recruitment of cult groups or criminal elements for political purposes during the 2027 elections. Ojajuni issued the warning on Tuesday at a two-day workshop on election security, the law, stakeholders and the media in Ibara, Abeokuta. The event was organised with the Development Communication Research Centre and attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, election observers and the media.

The commissioner said peaceful elections were a collective responsibility and that security agencies could not guarantee safe polls without the cooperation of political actors, electoral officials, journalists and citizens. He urged stakeholders to reject violence, intimidation, destruction of property and attacks on electoral personnel or facilities. Ojajuni also cautioned against inflammatory and unverified information, particularly on social media.

He said journalists should ensure that speed did not replace verification when reporting security incidents, alleged electoral malpractice and other sensitive issues. In his view, accurate and balanced reporting could reduce tension, while false or inflammatory reports could worsen an already sensitive situation. The police chief said the command would work with INEC, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Armed Forces, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies to identify threats, prevent violence and respond to incidents.

He said the police would remain professional, impartial and non-partisan, guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and operational directives. Ojajuni said the police would not allow criminal elements to exploit elections to undermine public safety. He urged political actors to resolve disputes through lawful channels, stressing that elections were a constitutional process rather than a war and that opponents would remain members of the same society after voting.