Strengthening Capacity for 2027

The Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have pledged stronger collaboration and strict professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections. During a high-level training programme in Lagos, the agencies warned security personnel against partisan conduct, urging them to protect the integrity of the electoral process above all else.

The one-day event, held at the Zone 2 Zonal Headquarters in Onikan, was organised by the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research. It brought together senior security officers, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations to address the theme: “Professionalism, Neutrality and Collaboration: Strengthening Election Security for Safe and Credible Elections.”

Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Charles Omole, emphasised that effective security is central to electoral credibility. He noted that the programme was designed to equip personnel with the skills to manage challenges throughout the election cycle, including heightened political tension and misinformation.

The purpose of this training is to strengthen the capacity of security personnel to provide professional, neutral and effective security during elections. We want to ensure that security officers understand their roles and responsibilities and are able to operate without political bias, while protecting voters, electoral officials, election materials and the overall integrity of the electoral process.

— Dr. Charles Omole, Director-General, Institute for Police and Security Policy Research

Constitutional Loyalty and Professionalism

Representing the Armed Forces Commanders, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh described the training as a timely intervention for national stability. He stressed that creating a secure environment for citizens to exercise their civic rights is a collective responsibility that requires the military to remain guardians of the democratic environment rather than participants in political contests.

Suleh warned personnel against allowing personal, ethnic, or religious considerations to interfere with their official duties. He reaffirmed that the military's loyalty remains tied to the Nigerian Constitution and the people they serve, rather than any individual candidate or political party.

Our duty is to the nation and not to any political party, candidate or individual. As we prepare for the January 2027 elections, I urge every security personnel to remember that we are not participants in a political contest. We are guardians of the democratic environment in which that contest takes place.

— Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh, Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force

Security as the Oxygen of Democracy

Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, described security as the essential "oxygen" of the democratic process. He highlighted the heavy reliance of INEC on security agencies to provide a safe environment for staff and materials, citing a 2023 incident in Ekiti State to demonstrate the difficult circumstances security personnel often face.

Salami recalled an instance where a security officer moved a ballot box to protect it from attackers, leading to public suspicion. He used the anecdote to underscore the need for comprehensive judgment and emergency response training. He urged that the knowledge gained during the training be disseminated to all personnel who will be deployed for election duties.

INEC relied heavily on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to provide a safe environment for electoral officials, voters and election materials. Professionalism remains critical to the success of the 2027 elections.

— Prof. Ayobami Salami, Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC Lagos State

Operational Readiness and Public Confidence

Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, representing the Inspector-General of Police, stated that the training is a core component of early preparations for the 2027 polls. He assured the public that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) is fully prepared to provide a secure atmosphere in the strategic states of Lagos and Ogun.

The AIG noted that the police leadership is committed to protecting all participants, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving as ad-hoc staff. He also called on political actors and community leaders to discourage youth from engaging in violence, warning that the law would be applied strictly against those undermining the peace.

Professionalism, neutrality and collaboration constituted the tripod upon which public confidence in the police, military and other security and safety agencies could be strengthened. Security personnel must remain apolitical and non-partisan in the discharge of their duties.

— Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command

Supporting this stance, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, both emphasized that the success of the 2027 elections depends on the preparedness and neutrality of those entrusted with securing the democratic space. They pledged continued logistical and moral support to ensure an atmosphere free from intimidation.