2027: Oyo Police Warn Politicians Against Violence, Inflammatory Acts
…As Command engages political parties, urges early notification of rallies and other political activities for adequate security
The Oyo State Police Command has engaged representatives of political parties across the state as part of efforts to sustain the prevailing security gains and prevent political activities from degenerating into violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholder meeting provided an avenue for the police and political stakeholders to deliberate on peaceful political participation, mutual respect and strict adherence to the law.
Speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner of Police urged political actors to ensure that disagreements do not threaten public peace or undermine the security achievements recorded in the state.
The political party representatives commended the Command for its proactive approach to political security and called for a thorough investigation into the recent violence that occurred at Agbaje Market during a political gathering.
They urged the police to identify and prosecute anyone found culpable, while pledging their cooperation with the Command to maintain peace and security throughout the electioneering period.
In a related development, the women caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by the party’s Women Leader, Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, alongside an aspirant, visited the Police Headquarters to appreciate the Command’s efforts towards ensuring peaceful political activities.
Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s readiness to work with all political parties and their supporters without prejudice.
He urged political leaders to notify the police ahead of planned political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the violence recorded at Agbaje Market.
The Commissioner also assured the delegation and the general public that the Command would leave no stone unturned in investigating the Agbaje Market incident, identifying all those involved and ensuring that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the investigation would be conducted professionally and fairly, with due respect for the rule of law.
The Command consequently called on political party leaders, aspirants, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully, avoid inflammatory statements and provocative actions, and promptly notify the police of planned political gatherings.
The police warned that political ambition must not be pursued at the expense of human lives, public order and the collective security of the state.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of lives and property, urging all political stakeholders to make peaceful political participation a shared responsibility as the state prepares for the 2027 general elections.
