The Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to provide the necessary security support to guarantee peaceful, transparent, and credible polls across the state.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, received the delegation led by the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abayomi Salami.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, who said the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions as preparations gradually commence for the next general elections.
According to the statement, Salami used the visit to congratulate the police commissioner on his recent appointment and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship between the electoral body and security agencies in the build-up to the 2027 polls. The Resident Electoral Commissioner noted that elections in a densely populated and politically active state like Lagos require strategic coordination among relevant stakeholders, especially security agencies charged with protecting electoral materials, officials, and voters.
He reportedly appealed for sustained cooperation from the police command, noting that effective security arrangements would play a major role in ensuring smooth electoral processes before, during, and after the elections. Salami also acknowledged the critical role the Nigeria Police Force has continued to play in safeguarding democratic processes in the country, adding that the partnership between INEC and the police remains vital to maintaining public confidence in elections.
Responding, Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai assured the electoral body of the command’s unwavering support, emphasizing that the police would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally and impartially. The police commissioner stated that the Lagos State Police Command recognizes the significance of credible elections to democratic stability and national development, adding that the command is committed to creating a secure environment that would allow eligible voters to participate freely without fear or intimidation.
Fatai reportedly stressed that proactive planning and inter-agency collaboration would be central to achieving peaceful elections in the state, especially considering Lagos’ strategic importance in the nation’s political landscape. He further assured the INEC delegation that officers and personnel of the command would remain committed to professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral period.
The commissioner also called on residents and political stakeholders to support efforts aimed at promoting peaceful participation and discouraging violence, hate speech, and other actions capable of undermining the democratic process. Political observers have continued to emphasize the need for early coordination between electoral bodies and security agencies ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in states with large voting populations and intense political activities such as Lagos State.
The meeting between the Lagos State Police Command and INEC is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation and improve public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the next nationwide polls.
With preparations already gradually taking shape, stakeholders say sustained collaboration among security agencies, electoral officials, civil society groups, and political actors will be crucial to ensuring peaceful and credible elections across the country in 2027.
