Ogun CP: Warns Politicians Against Recruiting Cultists for 2027 Polls

• Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, warned politicians against violence, thuggery, and recruiting cultists for the 2027 general election.
• The warning was issued at a two-day workshop in Abeokuta, emphasizing election security as a collective responsibility involving various stakeholders.
• Police committed to impartiality, professionalism, and protecting the electoral process, not determining outcomes.
• Multiple security agencies, including INEC, DSS, and NSCDC, will collaborate to identify threats and prevent violence, guided by the Constitution and Electoral Act.
• Media and political actors were urged to exercise caution in reporting and resolving disputes through lawful channels to prevent the spread of inflammatory information.

No political ambition is worth the life of another Nigerian.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has issued a definitive warning to political parties, candidates, and their supporters, specifically cautioning against the use of violence, thuggery, and the recruitment of cult groups or criminal elements for political purposes in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. This crucial directive was delivered on Tuesday during a two-day workshop titled “Elections Security, the Law, Stakeholders & the Media,” which took place at Event Towers in Ibara, Abeokuta.

Commissioner Ojajuni emphasized that election security is a shared responsibility, asserting that the police and other security agencies cannot guarantee peaceful elections without the active cooperation of political actors, electoral officials, the media, and citizens. He affirmed the police command's commitment to maintaining professionalism, impartiality, and non-partisanship throughout its duties during elections. The Commissioner clarified that the police's primary role is not to determine election winners, but rather to safeguard the electoral process, protect the populace, and enforce the law.

To achieve these objectives, the Ogun State Police Command plans to collaborate extensively with several key organizations. These include INEC, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Armed Forces, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), alongside other relevant agencies. This multi-agency approach aims to effectively identify potential threats, prevent violence, and respond promptly to any security incidents that may arise. All police actions will be strictly guided by the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, other pertinent laws, and the professional standards and operational directives of the Nigeria Police Force.

Beyond the direct warning against violence and illegal recruitment, Commissioner Ojajuni also urged political actors to resolve election-related disputes through lawful channels, rather than resorting to illicit means. He specifically cautioned against the mobilization of cult groups and criminal elements for political ends, as well as the dissemination of inflammatory or unverified information that could potentially trigger violence. The Commissioner extended this call for responsibility to journalists and media organizations, advising them to exercise caution when reporting on security incidents, alleged electoral malpractice, and other sensitive matters, particularly in the age of social media.

Ojajuni stressed that verification must always take precedence over speed in reporting, warning that false reports published quickly can have consequences far beyond the newsroom. He highlighted that accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting plays a crucial role in reducing tension and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, while unverified or inflammatory information can escalate already sensitive situations. The workshop itself was designed to enable all stakeholders to understand their respective mandates and identify areas where stronger cooperation is needed ahead of future elections, ensuring that both law enforcement and political actors comprehend their operational expectations and legal boundaries.

This proactive warning from the Ogun State Police Command signals a heightened focus on preventing political violence and ensuring the integrity of the 2027 general election. By explicitly stating that "No political ambition is worth the life of another Nigerian," Commissioner Ojajuni underscored the gravity of the police's stance against electoral misconduct. The emphasis on collective responsibility and strict adherence to legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Electoral Act, aims to foster a more secure and credible electoral environment.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Ogun State must counsel clients on strict compliance with electoral laws, particularly regarding the prohibition of recruiting cultists or engaging in thuggery, as law enforcement has signaled heightened vigilance and enforcement for the 2027 elections. Compliance officers should review campaign strategies to mitigate risks associated with political violence and illegal recruitment, ensuring that all activities align with the clear directives issued by the Ogun State Police Commissioner.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Ogun State must counsel clients on strict compliance with electoral laws, particularly regarding the prohibition of recruiting cultists or engaging in thuggery, as law enforcement has signaled heightened vigilance and enforcement for the 2027 elections. Compliance officers should review campaign strategies to mitigate risks associated with political violence and illegal recruitment.

Source: Original reporting via Punch