The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, thuggery and the mobilisation of cult groups and criminal elements for political purposes during elections.

Ojajuni gave the warning on Tuesday at a workshop on “Elections Security, the Law, Stakeholders & the Media” held at Event Towers, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The two-day workshop, organised in collaboration with the Development Communication Research Centre, brought together representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, election observers and monitors, civil society organisations and the media.

The police commissioner said election security was a collective responsibility, stressing that the police and other security agencies could not guarantee peaceful elections without the cooperation of political actors, electoral officials, the media and citizens.

He said, “Political competition is an essential component of democracy, but it must remain within the boundaries of the law.

“I therefore urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, thuggery, destruction of property and attacks on electoral personnel or facilities.

“No political ambition is worth the life of another Nigerian.”

Ojajuni also warned political actors against recruiting cultists and criminals to further their interests, saying election-related disputes should be addressed through lawful channels.

“We must also collectively guard against the mobilisation of cult groups and criminal elements for political purposes, as well as the spread of inflammatory and unverified information capable of triggering violence,” he said.

The CP assured residents that the police would remain professional, impartial and non-partisan in the discharge of their responsibilities during elections.

He said, “Our responsibility is not to determine who wins an election. Our responsibility is to protect the process, protect the people and enforce the law.”

According to him, the command would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Armed Forces, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies to identify threats, prevent violence and respond to security incidents.

He said the police would be guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant laws, as well as the professional standards and operational directives of the Nigeria Police Force.

Ojajuni also urged journalists and media organisations to exercise caution in reporting security incidents, alleged electoral malpractice and other sensitive matters, particularly in the era of social media.

“Speed must not replace verification,” he said, warning that false reports published within seconds could have consequences beyond the newsroom.

He added that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting could help reduce tension and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process, while unverified or inflammatory information could escalate an already sensitive situation.

The commissioner said effective election security also depended on proper coordination and information sharing among security and election management agencies.

He said the workshop would enable stakeholders to understand their respective mandates and identify areas requiring stronger cooperation ahead of elections.

He said, “The Police must understand the operational expectations of other stakeholders. Political actors must understand the legal boundaries governing their activities. Election officials must understand the security implications of emerging threats.

“Election monitors must understand the limits of their mandates. And the media must appreciate the security consequences that may arise from the dissemination of unverified information.”

Ojajuni assured that the Ogun State Police Command would remain proactive in identifying threats, responsive to incidents and firm against criminality while respecting citizens’ fundamental rights.

He said the command would not allow criminal elements to exploit the electoral process to cause violence or undermine public safety.

He also urged all stakeholders to recognise the rule of law as the common denominator in the electoral process.

“Elections are not a war. They are a constitutional process through which citizens choose their representatives.

“At the end of every election, political opponents remain citizens, neighbours and members of the same society,” the CP said.

Ojajuni expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his leadership and support, as well as the Development Communication Research Centre and other participating institutions for their partnership.

He expressed confidence that the two-day workshop would strengthen stakeholders’ preparedness and contribute to safer and more peaceful elections in Ogun State.