Politics

2027: Lagos Police Threaten Action Against Parties Over Rally Violations

The Lagos State Police Command has threatened legal action against political parties that fail to notify it ahead of planned rallies, campaigns, processions and other political activities in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said political parties must inform the Command ahead of their activities to enable proper security assessments, deployment of personnel and other operational arrangements.

The Command warned that parties that fail to provide timely notification or disregard established security arrangements, thereby contributing to a breach of peace, would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

It, however, assured political parties, candidates and their supporters of adequate security coverage during rallies, campaigns and other political activities without discrimination or preference.

The Command noted that it would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace, threatening public safety or resulting in a breakdown of law and order.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to providing adequate security for all political parties, their candidates, supporters and participants during rallies, campaigns and other political activities, without discrimination or preference,” the statement said.

“However, the Command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace, threatening public safety or resulting in a breakdown of law and order. Any political party that fails to provide timely notification or disregards established security arrangements, thereby contributing to a breach of peace, will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”

The police reiterated this position during the 2027 General Elections Stakeholders’ Security Engagement held on October 15, where political parties and other stakeholders were urged to cooperate with security agencies and comply with established security guidelines.

The Command also reaffirmed its readiness to provide security for lawful political activities and ensure a safe environment throughout the electoral process.

Fatai urged political parties to demonstrate responsibility, maintain communication with security agencies and ensure that their rallies, campaigns and other activities are conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with the law.