Ogun 2027: Police Deploy Senior Officers to INEC Offices, Pledge Swift Security Response

The Ogun State Police Command has pledged to strengthen security around offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ensure the safety of electoral personnel and materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi, at the INEC state office in Magbon, Abeokuta.

Ojajuni, who co-chairs the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), described INEC offices as the police command’s “second office”, emphasising the importance of protecting the electoral body as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

He disclosed that senior police officers had been deployed to strengthen security around INEC facilities, assuring the commission of the command’s readiness to respond promptly whenever its attention was required.

The police commissioner stressed that the protection of electoral personnel and materials remained a priority before, during and after the elections.

He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with INEC to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process in Ogun State.

Responding, Saseyi expressed appreciation to Ojajuni and his management team for the visit, commending the police command for its continued support for the commission’s activities.

She assured the police commissioner that INEC’s management and staff were prepared to work closely with security agencies to safeguard electoral personnel and materials.

The REC reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2027, stressing that collaboration among relevant stakeholders remained essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

She also welcomed suggestions and advice from security agencies and other stakeholders that could improve electoral administration and democratic governance.

As part of the engagement, Saseyi presented a plaque and souvenirs to the visiting police delegation, while Ojajuni presented her with a plaque of honour.

The police delegation included the Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Oliver Ezirim, and Department of Operations, Gbenga Adeoye.

Other members were ACP Akinmoladun Ona-Moore, ACP Adaramola Ojo Felix, ACP Farouk Olujimi Raheem, CSP Balogun Lateef, ASP Abdullahi Isah, ASP Akinlotan Solomon and SP Akinsanmi Funmilayo.

INEC management officials at the meeting included Thomas Olaleye, Joseph Omotiloye, Oyekemi Abai, Taiwo Agunloye, Modupe Akintola and Gbadamosi Olubunmi.

Beyond election security, Saseyi urged eligible voters in Ogun State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising the importance of voter participation in the democratic process.

She directed residents to collect their cards at the 236 Registration Area Centres and Ward Collation Centres across the state.

The REC also reminded residents that the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters, which commenced on Friday, October 9, 2026, would end on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

She added that PVC collection would subsequently continue at INEC’s local government area offices across the state between 9am and 3pm.

The commission urged eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise to complete the necessary electoral processes ahead of future elections.

The visit ended with a tour of the INEC state office premises and a group photograph involving officials of both agencies.