Ogun State Police Command has pledged to strengthen security around offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the state.

It also promised to ensure safety of electoral personnel and materials ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun State, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi, at the INEC state office in Magbon, Abeokuta, Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni, who co-chairs Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), described INEC offices as the command’s second office.

He emphasised the importance of protecting the electoral body, as preparations for the 2027 elections gathered momentum.

He said senior police officers had been deployed to strengthen security around INEC facilities, assuring the commission of the command’s readiness to respond promptly whenever its attention was required.

Ojajuni said protection of electoral personnel and materials remained a priority before, during and after the elections.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with INEC, to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process in Ogun State.

Mrs Saseyi thanked Ojajuni and his management team for the visit, hailing the command for its continued support for the commission’s activities.

She assured the police commissioner that INEC’s management and workers were prepared to work with security agencies to safeguard electoral personnel and materials.

The REC reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2027, stressing that collaboration among stakeholders remained essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

She welcomed suggestions and advice from security agencies and other stakeholders that could improve electoral administration and democratic governance.

Saseyi urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising the importance of voter participation in the democratic process.

He directed residents to collect their cards at the 236 registration area centres and ward collation centres across the state.

The REC told residents that display of preliminary register of voters, which began last Friday, ended yesterday.

She said PVCs collection would subsequently continue at INEC’s local government area offices across the state between 9am and 3pm.

The commission enjoined eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise to complete the necessary electoral processes ahead of future elections.

As part of the engagement, Saseyi presented a plaque and souvenirs to the visiting police delegation, while Ojajuni gave her a plaque of honour.

The police delegation included Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Oliver Ezirim, and Department of Operations, Gbenga Adeoye.

Other members were ACP Akinmoladun Ona-Moore, ACP Adaramola Ojo Felix, ACP Farouk Olujimi Raheem, CSP Balogun Lateef, ASP Abdullahi Isah, ASP Akinlotan Solomon and SP Akinsanmi Funmilayo.

INEC management officials at the meeting included Thomas Olaleye, Joseph Omotiloye, Oyekemi Abai, Taiwo Agunloye, Modupe Akintola and Gbadamosi Olubunmi. (The Nation)