Oba Babatunde Ogulaja, the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija in Epe Division, has urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and security operations at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogulaja made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Saturday.
He said that adequate security presence at the grassroots would help prevent violence, intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice during the electioneering period.
“Security agencies should not wait until the commencement of voting before intensifying their operations; there should proactive surveillance of communities, political gatherings and campaign activities.
“Security surveillance must be strengthened at the grassroots because that is where political activities are closest to the people and where tensions could easily escalate, if not properly managed.”
The traditional ruler urged the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies to work closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to identify potential security threats before they degenerate into crises.
“Traditional rulers and community leaders are in a good position to provide useful information to security agencies because we interact directly with the people and understand the peculiarities of our communities”.
Ogunlaja appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid hate speech, provocation, intimidation and actions capable of undermining the democratic process.
“Political campaigns should be about presenting ideas and convincing the electorate, not about threats, violence or character assassination; every candidate and supporter must respect the right of others to participate freely”.
The traditional ruler further advised eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and resist attempts by politicians or other individuals to manipulate them through inducements or intimidation.
“The people must be allowed to vote according to their conscience, while security agencies should ensure that voters can go to the polling units without fear or intimidation“.
The traditional ruler called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and community-based groups to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
“If all stakeholders work together and remain committed to peace, security and the rule of law, the 2027 elections can be conducted in an atmosphere that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy”.
