The Ogun State Police Command has scheduled a two-day security stakeholders’ workshop as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and promote peaceful, credible and participatory elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The workshop, themed “Elections, Community Mobilisation, The Law and The Media,” is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 23, 2026.
According to a statement signed by the Executive Consultant of the workshop, Dr Bolu Folayan, and made available to journalist on Tuesday, the training will focus on inter-agency respect, cooperation and coordination, as well as community engagement before, during and after elections.
It will also address professional conduct and accountability among stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
The statement said Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is expected to declare the workshop open and deliver the keynote address, while the lead paper will be presented by a lawyer and public relations expert, Prof Fassy Yusuf.
Folayan explained that the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Police Act confer specific responsibilities on different stakeholders during elections, stressing that inadequate knowledge of these roles often creates avoidable challenges that can undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
He said improved understanding of the relevant laws, coupled with stronger inter-agency collaboration and better media and community relations, would contribute to more successful elections.
“With improved knowledge of stakeholders in the law, inter-agency cooperation, media and community relations, successful elections are much more achievable.
“While the Constitution gives rights, the Electoral Act gives the rules, and, of course, the Police Act gives the conduct. Most stakeholders lack knowledge in these areas regarding elections.”
Folayan said the training would also help stakeholders understand the limits of their responsibilities and ensure that security operations do not infringe on citizens’ rights.
“The Constitution sets the red lines. Security must protect these rights. Media must exercise them responsibly. No security operation should infringe on these without due process.
“That’s the way to have credible elections, and that’s the goal of this training,” folayan added.
A major outcome of the workshop, according to Folayan, will be the signing of a “Responsive and Responsible Professionalism Charter” by participating stakeholders.
About 520 stakeholders are expected to attend the training, including representatives of major political parties, Divisional Police Officers, Zonal and Area Commanders, Police Community Relations Committees, the State Independent Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services, among others.
The organisers said the workshop is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to clarify their respective roles, strengthen collaboration and develop a shared commitment to professionalism and responsible conduct throughout the electoral process.
Advertisement